The logics of war and food (in)security

Abstract

Many of today's food crises are linked to war and violent conflicts. This paper elaborates four logics of war that have an impact on food insecurity: a) destruction; b) conflict-induced displacement; c) food control; d) hunger as a “weapon of war”. These logics explain why governments or belligerents are often unable or unwilling to respond to food crises, and why humanitarian assistance faces challenges in reaching people in need, while simultaneously avoiding exacerbating conflict. To mitigate future food crises, this article suggests a) to respect food as a human right, b) to overcome the silo-thinking between aid organizations, c) to integrate local capacities, and d) to enhance early action.