Famine Crimes: Politics & the Disaster Relief Industry in Africa

by Alex de Waal

"A powerful critique of the international humanitarian agencies dominating famine relief in Africa." ―Foreign Affairs "This is unquestionably an important book by a writer whose accomplishments as a researcher, critic and activist on famine and on human rights in Africa are widely respect." ―International Affairs "... de Waal pleads for readers... to probe for a deeper understanding of the ‘political roots of famine’... " ―WorldView "... a well-documented critique that should give pause for serious reflection and serve to instruct both the initiate and the master of famine theory... " ―Sociocultural Anthropology Famine Crimes is a factually rich, powerfully intelligent, morally important analysis of the persistence of famine in Africa. Alex de Waal lays the blame for Africa’s problems with starvation on the political failings of African governments, western donors, and the misguided policies of international relief agencies.

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

256 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.