Helpdesk Report: Rapid analysis of previous famines
This report provides a synthesis of the evidence available on the major famines and similar crises since 1980
Abstract
Query
Given the risks of famine in South Sudan and even Yemen, please deliver a rapid analysis of previous famines to feed into DFID current policy work. The literature should include, but not be limited to, drawing off the Disasters Journal virtual volume on famine. It is challenging to define famine situations. This report will use the definition of famine as described by the integrated phase classification system (IPC).
Summary
This helpdesk reports that defining famine has proved historically challenging. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) provides a common currency for classifying both the magnitude and severity of food insecurity through a set of standardised tools. Despite the standard definition that the IPC provides, there have been several incidents where mass nutrition related mortality have been recorded, that are not classified as famine.
This helpdesk provides a synthesis of the evidence available on the major famines and similar crises since 1980. It provides data, where available, on Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). It includes a discussion on why better data is needed to address famine and why evidence is needed to overcome food insecurity. The helpdesk identifies the main causes of mortality during famines as reported in the literature. To complement the synthesis of the evidence, an annotated bibliography is included. This provides an abstract and link for each resource used, making it easy for the reader to access the evidence directly.
Citation
Thompson, S. Helpdesk Report: Rapid analysis of previous famines. Health and Education Advice and Resource Team (HEART), Oxford, UK (2015) 24 pp.
Links