Food Crises: Historical Perspectives

The idea that famines in India were caused by natural factors like climate change.

The view that famines in India were caused by political or colonial policies, such as the British government's policies that disrupted food production and distribution.

Proposes that famines in India resulted from cultural norms and practices that hindered effective response to food shortages.

The Irish potato famine of the 19th century was a devastating period caused by a catastrophic failure of the potato crop.

The reliance on potatoes as a single food source, particularly in a poor country like Ireland, left people vulnerable to a food crisis.

A period of agricultural advancements that began in the 1940s, primarily focused on increasing food production through the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties and the use of fertilizer.

A scientist who played a significant role in the Green Revolution, known for developing high-yielding wheat varieties that helped increase food production.

A scientific approach to agriculture that prioritizes sustainability, local control of food systems, and the rights of small farmers.

The right of people to control their own food systems, ensuring access to food and the ability to decide how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.

The concept that the Green Revolution is not a one-time event but a continuous process driven by neoliberal policies, corporate control of seeds, and the development of genetically modified crops.

A theory that claims population grows exponentially, while food production grows linearly, leading to inevitable mass starvation.

A situation where people lack access to food despite sufficient food production, often due to poverty, inequality, or political instability.

The belief that food availability directly determines population size, ignoring other factors like economic, social, and political conditions.

Policies and actions that ignore local knowledge, ecological conditions, and social dynamics, often leading to unintended negative consequences.

Instances where external interventions aimed at environmental conservation or economic development exacerbate existing problems.

The importance of integrating local knowledge, ecological conditions, and social dynamics in development initiatives.

The impact of misguided interventions on the environment and development, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach.

The importance of considering the complex interplay of factors in achieving sustainable development, beyond just economic growth.

When people lack secure access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food due to unavailability, insufficient purchasing power, inappropriate distribution, or inadequate use of food.

A prolonged period of insufficient food intake, lasting at least one year.

Conflict, disasters and weather, economic shock, agricultural failure or climate change, poverty, social exclusion, and urbanization.

A severe food crisis involving widespread loss of livelihood, social disruption, hunger, and death.

A humanitarian approach to hunger where international aid, technology, and bureaucracy play a significant role. Food is distributed through organized programs, often based on measurements and technical specifications.

A perspective that recognizes the profound impact of hunger on societal structures. Hunger can disrupt social relations and even family bonds, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of its consequences.

Anthropological research on hunger focusing on how food and food taboos influence social relations.

The study of hunger focusing on its biological and ecological aspects, such as the relationship between diet and health.

A type of food insecurity that occurs predictably due to factors like climate, farming patterns, and diseases.

Short-term strategies used to manage immediate food shortages, often based on available resources.

Long-term adjustments made to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure food security.

A type of coping strategy involving the sale of cattle, used to acquire food or other necessities.

A type of adaptation strategy involving the cultivation of different crops at different times to diversify income and reduce vulnerability to crop failures and diseases.

The practice of raising livestock, often nomadically, in open areas.

The misperception that pastoralism is harmful, unproductive, and outdated.

The recognition that pastoralism is a dynamic and adaptable way of life that contributes to the environment and local economies.

The situation where the population of a country or area grows faster than the resources needed to support it, leading to potential shortages of food, water, and other essentials. It refers to a predicted crisis but has not materialized due to factors such as education, women's empowerment, reduced fertility rates, and improved living standards.

The process of an increasing population living in urban areas. This trend has seen a significant rise in the global urban population, leading to various challenges like housing, food access, and infrastructure.

A combination of elements necessary to ensure food availability, access, utilization, and stability for the population. It's a holistic approach that looks at the whole picture of food security and its interconnected components.

The use of agricultural methods, technologies, and practices that are environmentally friendly and sustainable, ensuring long-term productivity and resource conservation. It aims to provide food security while maintaining or improving environmental health.

The provision of support and resources, often in emergency situations, to alleviate suffering and promote recovery. Aid can include food, medical supplies, and financial assistance.

The underlying frameworks and systems that govern a society, including economic, political, social, and legal structures. It focuses on the broader system of society rather than individual factors. It plays a crucial role in addressing food security and preventing famines.

A form of government where citizens have the power to elect their leaders and participate in decision-making. Democracy promotes transparency, accountability, and social justice, making it essential for food security and famine prevention.