Famine, Conflict and Response: A Basic Guide

by Frederick C. Cuny

* A practical guide to underlying causes and immediate, lasting solutions for famine
* Explains efficient use of resources in a crisis
* Written by a well-known disaster relief practitioner and humanitarian

Fred Cuny adopts an economic approach to wartime famine that is still considered innovative and challenging by field experts. His international fieldwork in both natural and man-made disasters is visionary and his approach to famine pragmatic. This book focuses on counter-famine measures revolving around people’s livelihoods, giving humanitarian relief workers a more permanent solution to world hunger.

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Ted Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Short, concise, and full of relevant information on the challenges of dealing with humanitarian disasters. Fred Cuny's analysis definitely stands the test of time as he points out the challenges that the international relief community faces 25 years later. Cuny argues for practitioners to consider logistical concerns, political constraints, cultural constraints, and geographical issues. He blasts the aid community for being wed to a cookie-cutter approach to relief work. The best content within this short book deals with setting up supply-chains, dealing with civil wars, and considering internal food purchases & income-growth projects as more effective solutions than sending direct food aid. I'm now fascinated by the complex problem set that exists within food security issues. The author stirred my interests!

[Heather Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a International disaster management class. Good book with a lot of useful information. Very dry and straightforward. Spends a lot of time on logistics of famine response so if you are looking into that this book might be for you.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

for a class, but good basic reference/background on humanitarian responses to famine.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smart insights on famine/disaster response attempting to get at the underlying economic/political causes. More technical than general but thought-provoking.

[Daveceaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent overview of the truth of famines and how to properly respond. All development professionals and relief workers should read this book.

[Autumn Kotsiuba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight into historical famines