Public Action to Remedy Hunger

Abstract

In this text of the Arturo Tanco Memorial Lecture the author divides the problem of hunger into famine and endemic deprivation, citing many examples, predominantly from India and the sub-Saharan countries of Africa. Remedial action has in the past often been prevented by prevailing pessimism, but by analysing economics, politics, health and educational standards of the affected countries, a number of remedial actions can be suggested. Famines are considered as failures of ‘entitlements’ which prevent people from purchasing food; this can be overcome by income creation and public intervention, preferably in the form of cash wages. These actions have proved effective in India. Endemic undernourishment and deprivation can benefit similarly from combined public and private action, provided a democratically elected government is susceptible to criticism from the media and the informed public.