How and why famines form: towards an integrated approach to causation

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Sociology
• Political Science

Background:

• Renewed global concern regarding famine risk necessitates improved prevention strategies.
• Current theories on famine causation offer incomplete perspectives.
• Effective famine prevention hinges on a thorough understanding of its root causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a comprehensive approach to understanding famine causation.
• To integrate the famine systems model and priority regimes approach.
• To enhance the identification of causal factors and responsible parties for famine prevention.

Main Methods:

• Expanding and integrating the famine systems model and priority regimes approach.
• Applying the integrated framework to contemporary and historical case studies.
• Analyzing insights gained from examining both 'how' and 'why' aspects of famine.

Main Results:

• A combined framework provides new insights into famine causation.
• The integrated approach aids in identifying the drivers of famine crises.
• Case studies demonstrate the utility of the comprehensive framework.

Conclusions:

• A combined understanding of how and why famines occur is crucial for effective prevention.
• The proposed integrated framework offers a more complete picture of famine causation.
• This approach can significantly contribute to future famine prevention initiatives.