Social Inequalities and Famine and Severe Food Insecurity Risk

Abstract

This rapid review summarises the evidence on the ways in which social inequalities and discrimination affect the risk of famine or severe food insecurity. Looking at the risk at the national and sub-national level, gender and other horizontal inequities can affect a society’s risk of violent conflict and therefore food insecurity, while fragile livelihoods associated with ethnic marginalisation can impact regional food security. At the individual and household level, there is a lack of disaggregated data on people’s social characteristics and famines. There is a broader literature on the impact of systemic discrimination (based on gender, age, disability, sexuality, and ethnic identity) on individuals’ and households’ livelihoods and assets, thereby increasing their vulnerability to food insecurity. A key finding from the literature is the gender gap, with women more at risk of being food insecure than men. Also, some ethnic groups are highly vulnerable particularly in conflict-related famines; starvation is used as a warfare tactic in political and ethnic conflicts. There is evidence of how social inequalities heighten individuals’ risks during food crises and famines, including through exposure to protection threats, while limiting their access to essential services and humanitarian assistance. A broad range of measures seeks to address the multi-dimensional ways in which social inequalities affect vulnerability and resilience to food insecurity.

Insights from social‐ecological systems thinking for understanding and preventing famine

“…The likelihood of famine can be increased or decreased by historic events and changes to the context within which the social-ecological system is embedded. Repeated transitory shocks in recent history can drive households to use up or sell their assets, reducing their resilience to future shocks, making famine more likely (Devereux, 2007b;Carter and Kelly, 2021). Long-term changes to, inter alia, the environment, economy and market behaviour, and political landscape (including policy change and political instability) can augment the likelihood of famine.…”

“…Howe (2010) discusses archetype feedbacks associated with famine, but empirical research is needed on what feedbacks were important in past famines and contemporary near famines. The concept of tipping points may help to elucidate the different patterns of descent into famine observed by practitioners (Carter and Kelly, 2021), from gradual deterioration to 'cliff edge'-like falls (Maxwell, Howe, and Fitzpatrick, 2023). The concept of resilience can explain the capacity of interdependent societies and nature to respond to diverse stresses and shocks to prevent a crisis becoming a famine and over time reduce vulnerability to famine through learning and adaptation.…”