Famine, Needs-assessment and Survival Strategies in Africa (Oxfam, 1993, 40 p.): 2 A case of crying wolf?: (introduction...)

Famine, Needs-assessment and Survival Strategies in Africa (Oxfam, 1993, 40 p.)

2 A case of crying wolf?

		*(introduction...)*
		2.1 Some distortions in the process of needs-assessment
		2.2 Needs-assessment in some specific countries
		2.3 Limited relief
		2.4 A real crisis in Africa

(introduction...)

One of the reasons why survival strategies seem so important is that predicted famines, with millions said to be facing starvation, have often not materialized, at least in the form predicted and in the form that donors and the general public recognise as 'famine'. It is important, then, to ask on what basis such predictions are made. Equally, it is important to ask whether the absence of mass mortality and an instantly recognizable 'famine' really means that there has been no significant crisis and no significant need for relief.