Famine Crimes: Politics and the Disaster Relief Industry in Africa

by Alex de Waal

Famine is conquerable, but in some countries in Africa human suffering seems to be getting more rather than less common. This study argues that humanitarian relief work is a certain kind of political action, and that technical solutions must be evaluated within a political context.

Genres: Africa, Nonfiction, Politics, History, Economics, Social Science, Eastern Africa

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Very* thorough...

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at humanitarian action in famine zones. He was often critical of humanitarian motives and operations but definitely had some valid advice.

A good range of examples provided that help in understanding the reasons behind famine. I especially found the use of famine in Ethiopia as a weapon of war interesting.

An insightful read.

[cantread26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

because international media sensationalizes famine through images of poverty, starvation, death, etc, people often associate famine with environmental failure (i.e. drought) or economic problems rather than political ones. but, de waal's writing demonstrates why this framework along with current practices of humanitarianism actually do more to perpetuate famine rather than alleviate it. his words "famine should be seen as a political scandal" will never leave me & I think it's quite important to see this new perspective on one of the world's most ongoing & pressing issues.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book so technical it is very well written.

Towards the end it becomes a bit of a polemic, however he raises very good points within this.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting take on the way conceptions of state responsibility from the colonial era have affected current food policy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

dry, but worth it.