L11

Question 1

Q: One of the classic thinkers on famine was the 19th century economist Thomas Malthus.

a) Briefly describe what is meant with a Malthusian Catastrophe (2 points)

Answer 1

A Malthusian Catastrophe refers to a situation where POPULATION GROWTH exceeds the CAPACITY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION to provide enough food.

According to Thomas Malthus, population grows EXPONENTIALLY, while food production grows ARITHMETICALLY. This imbalance would eventually lead to widespread famine, disease, and death, reducing the population to sustainable levels.

Question 2

Q: One of the classic thinkers on famine was the 19th century economist Thomas Malthus.

b) What does Alex de Waal in his book Mass tSarvation (2018) mean with ‘Malthus’s zombie’? (4 points)

Answer 2

He criticizes the outdated idea that famine happens exclusively because of overpopulation. He argues:

1. Political Factors:
   Famine is often caused by political decisions and conflict, not just by too many people.
2. Human Action:
   Effective governance can prevent famines, challenging the notion that they are inevitable.
3. Complex Reasons for Famine:
   De Waal emphasizes that famines arise from social, economic, and environmental factors, not just demographic pressures.
4. Persistence of Outdated Ideas:
   The “zombie” term shows how these old ideas still influence our understanding of food problems today, even though they are no longer valid.

Question 3

Q: One of the classic thinkers on famine was the 19th century economist Thomas Malthus.

c) Discuss the implications of Malthus’s Zombie for policymakers’ responses to famine. (4 points)

Answer 3

The implications of “Malthus’s Zombie” for policymakers’ responses to famine include:

1. Political Decisions and Conflict:
   Policymakers must recognize that famine often results from political choices and conflict, which requires addressing governance issues.
2. Human Capacity for Prevention:
   The idea stresses that famines can be prevented through effective governance and intervention, rather than being seen as inevitable.
3. Complex Nature of Famines: Famines are influenced by various economic, social, and environmental factors, necessitating a holistic approach to address the issue.
4. Outdated Ideas Still Impacting Policy: The “zombie” concept highlights that old Malthusian ideas still shape how we think about food problems, potentially leading to ineffective policies.

Question 4

Q: Raj Patel’s paper on the Green Revolution argues that one of its objectives has been to cement rather than dismantle the status quo.

a) Explain who had an interest in cementing the status quo (4 points)

Answer 4

Several key stakeholders had an interest in cementing the status quo:

1. The United States:
   By exporting food and agricultural technology, the U.S. created dependency among developing nations, enhancing its geopolitical influence.
2. Multinational Corporations:
   Companies in agriculture and biotechnology profited from selling high-yield seeds and inputs, promoting reliance on their products and discouraging self-sufficiency.
3. Local Elites:
   Wealthy landowners supported the Green Revolution as it increased their power and control over resources, marginalizing smallholder farmers.
4. International Financial Institutions:
   Organizations like the World Bank promoted agricultural modernization, often favoring the interests of powerful nations and corporations, thus reinforcing existing inequalities.

Question 5

Q: Raj Patel’s paper on the Green Revolution argues that one of its objectives has been to cement rather than dismantle the status quo.

b) Explain how and why this still matters in terms of fighting for food security in e.g. Africa (6 points)

Answer 5

The legacy of the Green Revolution significantly impacts food security efforts in Africa for several reasons:

1. Continued Dependency:
   Many African countries still rely on imported food and agricultural inputs, which undermines local farming and self-sufficiency.
2. Marginalization of Smallholders:
   The focus on large-scale agriculture sidelines smallholder farmers, who are vital for local food production and sustainability.
3. Reduced Crop Diversity:
   Emphasizing high-yield monocultures limits biodiversity, making food systems more vulnerable to pests and climate change.
4. Environmental Concerns:
   Intensive farming practices lead to soil degradation and reduced fertility, threatening long-term agricultural viability.
5. Infrastructure Issues:
   Unequal investment in agricultural infrastructure results in food waste and limits access to markets for local producers.
6. Power Imbalances:
   The structures established during the Green Revolution reinforce existing inequalities, complicating efforts to achieve food sovereignty and security.