Food and Famine in the 21st Century [2 volumes]

This comprehensive two-volume encyclopedia examines specific famines throughout history and contains entries on key topics related to food production, security and policies, and famine, giving readers an in-depth look at food crises and their causes, responses to them, and outcomes.Famines have claimed more lives across human history than all the wars ever fought.This two-volume set represents the most comprehensive study of food and famine currently available, providing the broadest analysis of hunger and famine causes as well as a detailed examination of the ramifications of cultural and natural hazards upon famine.Volume one focuses upon 50 topics and issues relating to the creation of hunger and famines in the world from 4000 BCE to 2100, including an overview of how agriculture has evolved from primitive hunting and gathering that supported limited numbers of people to a worldwide system that now feeds over seven billion people. Volume two, entitled Classic Famines, begins with famines of the past, from 4000 BCE to 2100 CE, includes ten classic famine case studies, and concludes with predictions of famines we could see in the 21st century and beyond.Contributions from professors at West Point, Rutgers University, and other universities and colleges; specialists at nutrition centers, hospitals, and the Population Reference Bureau; and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) World Food Day participantsOriginal data, diagrams, photographs, charts, and tablesIllustrations include maps, many designed by the author of the entry or book chapter; and graphics secured from U.S. government source material, UN publications, and historic textsA "further readings" section accompanies each entry or book chapterConcluding bibliographies at the end of each volume

"Students interested in international politics and also interested in doing business in other areas of the world would benefit from this book." - ARBA, "This set should be required reading for elected officials in industrialized nations. . . . Highly recommended for public and academic libraries, especially those that support agricultural, geographical, or social studies curricula." - Library Journal, "This two-volume set offers a broad, informative survey of famines and their causes. . . . This set will be especially useful to those just beginning their study of famines and famine issues. Recommended." - Choice

William A. Dando, PhD, is distinguished professor of geography and chairperson emeritus of the Department of Geography, Geology, and Anthropology at Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN. His published work includes The Geography of Famine.