Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Famine, traditionally understood as a widespread scarcity of food, leading to extensive starvation and mortality, has historically been associated with natural disasters like droughts and floods. However, the 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed a significant shift in the etiology of famines. While natural events can trigger food shortages, increasingly, famines are not simply the result of a lack of food availability, but rather a failure of access, often stemming from political, economic, and social factors. The assertion that man-induced famines are becoming more common than nature-induced ones reflects a growing recognition of the role of human agency in creating conditions of severe food insecurity.
Historical Context: Nature-Induced Famines
Historically, famines were largely attributed to natural causes. Pre-colonial India experienced numerous devastating famines, often linked to monsoon failures. The Great Bengal Famine of 1770, triggered by drought, is a prime example, though exacerbated by the exploitative policies of the East India Company. Similarly, the Indian famines of 1876-78, 1896-97, and 1899-1900 were primarily caused by widespread droughts. These famines were characterized by massive mortality rates and widespread social disruption. These events were often seen as unavoidable acts of God.
The Shift Towards Man-Induced Famines
The 20th century saw a gradual shift in understanding famine causation. Amartya Sen’s work, particularly his 1981 book *Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation*, revolutionized famine studies. Sen argued that famines are rarely caused by a lack of food; rather, they are caused by a lack of *entitlements* – the ability of people to access available food. This access is determined by factors like employment, land ownership, and market prices. This marked a turning point, highlighting the role of socio-economic and political factors.
Causes of Man-Induced Famines
Political and Governance Failures
- Conflict and War: Armed conflicts disrupt agricultural production, displace populations, and hinder food distribution. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, for example, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with widespread famine conditions.
- Poor Governance and Corruption: Inefficient governance, corruption, and lack of accountability can divert resources away from food security programs and exacerbate vulnerability.
- Discriminatory Policies: Policies that systematically disadvantage certain groups (e.g., ethnic minorities, marginalized communities) can limit their access to food and increase their risk of famine.
Economic Policies
- Market Liberalization and Structural Adjustment: Rapid market liberalization and structural adjustment programs, often imposed by international financial institutions, can disrupt local food systems and increase food prices, making food inaccessible to the poor.
- Land Grabbing and Displacement: Large-scale land acquisitions for commercial agriculture can displace small farmers and reduce food production.
- Food Price Volatility: Speculation in food commodity markets can lead to price spikes, making food unaffordable for vulnerable populations.
Environmental Degradation (Human-Induced)
- Deforestation and Desertification: Human activities like deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices contribute to land degradation and reduce agricultural productivity.
- Climate Change: While climate change itself is a complex phenomenon, human emissions are a major driver, leading to more frequent and intense droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events that can trigger food shortages.
Contemporary Examples of Man-Induced Famines
Several recent famines illustrate the dominance of man-induced factors:
- Somalia (2011 & 2022): Prolonged drought was a contributing factor, but the famine was primarily driven by conflict, political instability, and limited humanitarian access.
- South Sudan (2017): Civil war and displacement were the main drivers of famine, disrupting agricultural production and hindering food distribution.
- Ethiopia (Tigray, 2020-2022): Conflict and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid led to widespread starvation.
- Afghanistan (2021-Present): The Taliban takeover, coupled with economic sanctions and the withdrawal of international aid, has plunged the country into a severe humanitarian crisis with widespread food insecurity.
| Famine | Primary Cause | Role of Natural Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia (2011) | Conflict, Political Instability | Drought (exacerbating factor) |
| South Sudan (2017) | Civil War, Displacement | Limited |
| Ethiopia (Tigray) | Conflict, Aid Obstruction | Limited |
Conclusion
The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that man-induced famines are now far more prevalent than those solely caused by natural disasters. While natural events can act as triggers, the severity and extent of famines are largely determined by human actions – political decisions, economic policies, and governance structures. Addressing famine requires a shift in focus from simply increasing food production to ensuring equitable access to food, promoting good governance, resolving conflicts, and building resilient food systems. A proactive, preventative approach, prioritizing human rights and social justice, is crucial to preventing future famines.
Answer Length
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