How did ancient China prevent the transition from extreme drought to famine? Taking Wanli Drought of the Ming dynasty as an example

Abstract

Extreme drought events have had profound impacts on economic and social development since historical times, with famine being one of the most serious consequences that can threaten human health and longevity. However, effective responses can mitigate the impacts of extreme drought and alleviate the severity of the resulting famine. This article reconstructed the spatial distribution of extreme drought and famine in northern China during the Wanli Drought (1585–1588 AD) and analysed the disparity between spatial distribution of famine severity and drought intensity. The locations of the granaries and the relief actions of the Ming government were discussed to explain this disparity. The following conclusions are drawn: the North China Plain was a typical region with severe drought but mild famine, highlighting the importance of relief grains from central granaries and good local grain reserves in alleviating famine. The northern border towns, also experiencing severe drought but mild famine, benefited from political security due to their military positions, ensuring food security and mitigating famine. Drought and famine exhibit nonlinear causal relationships. Famine reflects not only insecure food production but also insecure food supply and consumption, which can be regulated in multiple ways.