Food Insecurity and Conflict Dynamics: Causal Linkages and Complex Feedbacks

Cullen S Hendrix ,Henk-Jan Brinkman

doi:10.5334/sta.bm

Abstract

This paper addresses two related topics: 1) the circular link between food insecurity and conflict, with particular emphasis on the Sahel, and 2) the potential role of food security interventions in reducing the risk of violent conflicts. While we eschew mono-causal explanations of conflict, acute food insecurity can be a factor in popular mobilization and a risk multiplier. Moreover, violent conflict itself is a major driver of acute food insecurity. If food insecurity is a threat multiplier for conflict, improving food security can reduce tensions and contribute to more stable environments. If these interventions are done right, the vicious cycle of food insecurity and conflict can be transformed into a virtuous cycle of food security and stability that provides peace dividends, reduces conflict drivers, enhances social cohesion, rebuilds social trust, and builds the legitimacy and capacity of governments.

Highlights

The nature of violent conflict has changed dramatically in recent decades
This paper addresses two related topics: 1) the circular link between food insecurity and conflict, with particular emphasis on the Sahel, and 2) the potential role of food security interventions in reducing the risk of violent conflicts
Since the end of the Cold War, the world has seen a steady decline in the number of active armed conflicts

Summary

Introduction

The nature of violent conflict has changed dramatically in recent decades. The predominant form of violent conflict has evolved from national armies fighting each other (inter-state wars); to armies fighting for independence, separation or political control (intrastate or civil wars); to various forms of violence, involving non-state actors such as rebels, gangs, and organized crime, ranging from civil conflict to urban unrest. The vicious cycle of food insecurity and conflict can be transformed into a virtuous cycle of food security and stability that provides peace dividends, reduces conflict drivers, such as horizontal inequalities, enhances social cohesion, rebuilds social trust, and builds the legitimacy and capacity of governments In many cases, these results are generated through the process of interventions themselves, for example, through the inclusion of various groups in community-driven programmes. Food security interventions through the integration of a peacebuilding approach could address these symptoms of a protracted crisis through the generation of peace dividends, the reduction of conflict drivers, the enhancement of social cohesion, and the building of legitimacy and capacity of governments.

Sustainability Local institutions

Findings

Conclusion