Food Insecurity and Conflict Dynamics: A Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

This study builds on the evidence that conflict and food insecurity share a reverse causal relationship. Where armed conflicts can certainly bring about dangerous conditions of food insecurity, evidences have shown that the reverse is also true. That is, food insecurity can precipitate violent political conflicts. The theories applied in this paper draw upon explanations based on human needs, rational choice and frustration-aggression hypothesis, which are used to map how a sudden change in the availability or price of basic foodstuffs can trigger an explosion of social unrest of a large magnitude. The potential effects of climate change also illustrate some of the applications of the theories, showing how the risk of exposure to harmful perturbations affects ability to cope with crises, especially among vulnerable socio-economic groups. In order to most effectively reduce the risks of conflict, this paper recommends that government policies should adequately and simultaneously address each of the major dimensions of food insecurity some of which are production, availability, stability and access. Paying careful attention to this will help alleviate some of the underlying rationale for violent conflicts and also promote the potentials for recovery.