Famine, Needs-Assessment and Survival Strategies in Africa

Overview

In recent years, increasing attention is being given to the existence of a variety of ‘survival strategies’ which enable communities facing situations of famine or food shortage to survive the crisis. These strategies are cited as an explanation of why predicted famines failed to materialise, in terms of increased mortality, despite inadequate relief efforts on the part of aid donors. There is a danger that the existence of such survival strategies will become an excuse for inaction by relief agencies.