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

Abstract

In recent years, there has been renewed global concern about the risk of famine, prompting calls for a greater focus on prevention. Yet, for preventive efforts to be successful, it is critical to understand what causes these extreme crises. While numerous theories have been put forward, they often offer only a partial view. This article attempts to take a step towards a more comprehensive approach by arguing for the importance of understanding both how and why famines occur. Expanding and integrating the famine systems model and priority regimes approach, the article applies the proposed framework to several contemporary and historical case studies and highlights the new insights that can be gained by looking at both aspects together. While recognising the genuine challenges involved, it suggests that a combined framework could help us better understand causation, identify who or what is responsible, and contribute to the prevention of famines in the future.