Famine

An overview of famine, its causes, effects, and historical examples

Famine

File:Famine in India 1876-78.jpg

Famine in India, 1876-78

A famine is a widespread scarcity of food, caused by several factors including war, inflation, crop failure, population imbalance, or government policies. This phenomenon is usually accompanied or followed by regional malnutrition, starvation, epidemic, and increased mortality.

Causes of Famine

Famines can be triggered by natural events such as droughts, floods, and pestilence, or by human actions such as war and economic mismanagement.

Natural Causes

Drought is one of the most common natural causes of famine. It leads to crop failure and water shortages, which in turn result in food scarcity. Flooding can also destroy crops and infrastructure, leading to similar outcomes.

Human Causes

War and conflict can disrupt food production and distribution, leading to famine. Economic policies, such as those that lead to hyperinflation or severe economic downturns, can also result in food shortages. Additionally, political decisions, such as those seen in the Great Chinese Famine during the "Great Leap Forward," can exacerbate or directly cause famine conditions.

Effects of Famine

The effects of famine are devastating and far-reaching. They include severe malnutrition, increased mortality rates, and long-term health problems among survivors. Famine can also lead to social and political instability, as populations become desperate for food and resources.

Historical Examples

File:Irish potato famine.jpg

The Irish Potato Famine

The Irish Potato Famine

The Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1852 was caused by a potato disease known as late blight. The famine resulted in the death of approximately one million people and the emigration of another million, leading to a significant decline in Ireland's population.

The Bengal Famine of 1943

The Bengal Famine of 1943 was a major famine in the Bengal province of British India during World War II. It is estimated that around 2.1 to 3 million people died due to starvation, malnutrition, and disease.

The Ethiopian Famine of 1983-1985

The Ethiopian Famine of 1983-1985 was caused by a combination of drought and political instability. It is estimated that over 400,000 people died as a result of this famine.

Prevention and Mitigation

Efforts to prevent and mitigate famine include improving agricultural practices, developing drought-resistant crops, and implementing effective food distribution systems. International aid and cooperation are also crucial in addressing the immediate needs of populations affected by famine.

Related pages

• Malnutrition
• Food security
• Humanitarian aid
• Agricultural policy