Famine doesn’t just mean a period of food deprivation or scarcity of food. It means far more than that. The Bible has a lot to say about this human tragedy, as does modern science as to its underlying causes. In the scriptures, famine is much more than a lack of food; it is a sign of God’s displeasure, a judgement on unrighteous living, and a symbol of spiritual drought.
God’s Judgement
The Bible often links a famine with God’s judgement on his people’s behaviour. In Leviticus 26:19, God declares ‘If you reject my statutes, loathe my rules…I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever…and with famine.’ In other words, the Lord is saying: if you turn away from me, I will send famine to punish you. Another example is found in Amos 8:11-12, where the Lord compares the transgression of his people to the effects of a sufficiently long fast, saying ‘The time of mourning for the nation has come, a time when food is scarce. They will go out and wander among the nations, searching in vain for a morsel of bread.’ The Bible’s strongly held message throughout its 66 books is clear: God is not just a powerful and merciful creator, but he certainly is a powerful judge. Therefore, it is not the lack of food, but the lack of righteousness that creates famines.
Famine and Its Causes
From a scientific standpoint, famine is caused either by an insufficient food supply, as occurs in times of war or pandemics, or by a lack of food access that arises from lack of money or other resources. In addition, famine can also be caused by changes in the environment, such as floods and droughts, that destroy the crops and leave local populations without food. When these factors occur together, the result can be devastating. Millions of individuals may find themselves without access to food or clean water, facing the prospect of disease and possible death.
The Heart of Famine
At its heart, famine is a condition in which an individual is deprived of the basic nourishment required to sustain life. Dr. David Nabarro, a UN advisor on famine, says it concisely: “Famine is a condition of extreme hunger resulting in an irreversible decline in the nutritional status of a (person) below a critical threshold.” This critical threshold often refers to the number of individuals experiencing acute levels of malnutrition, starvation and death. In the Bible, charity was a critical part of caring for the hungry and destitute, as Jesus implies when he says “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee” (Luke 14:12). The Bible also states that all of us are commanded to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted. In other words, the heart of famine is not only about the lack of food, but about the lack of basic compassion, care and love.
God’s Promise of Comfort
The Bible is not only filled with warnings about the consequences of unrighteous living, but it also contains many examples of God’s comfort and mercy. Despite the human suffering caused by famine, the Bible promises that God will never forget nor abandon his people, no matter their situation. In Isaiah 49:14-16, God says: “Can a woman forget her nursing child? No! I will never forget you! I have carved you on the palms of my hands, so that all who see me might know your name.” This promise of God’s comfort and presence is one of the most important things for Christians to remember during times of famine. Times of distress, fear, and hunger can be turned into moments of joy and hope when remembered that God is with us, providing help and strength even in the bleakest of times.
The Media’s Role in Tageting Famine
The media plays an invaluable role in disseminating the problem of famine to global publics. By featuring stories of suffering, the media can draw attention to the plight of the economically marginalized and create a sense of global solidarity in the face of poverty and food deprivation. Through reporting and documentary films, such as ‘Children of Famine’, produced by ABC News and narrated by Peter Jennings, stories of famine can be brought to the public’s attention. This type of reporting is not only empowering local populations, but also aids in global policy changes to alleviate current and future famines.
The Social Effects of Famine
Famine has been associated with social upheaval and unrest throughout history due to its ability to create a desperate situation in a short period of time. Hunger and starvation can quickly lead to chaos and violence as people struggle to survive. In the Bible, famine has been linked to a shortage of basic goods and services, such as water and clothing. Furthermore, famines in the Bible are often preceded by droughts, wars and other disasters, which can lead to a disruption of the economic infrastructure and cause significant hardship. In summary, when people lack access to the essentials of life then famine can quickly follow.
The Impact on Future Generations
The effects of famine on a society can be broad and far-reaching, most notably its impact on a nation’s economic and social development. Famine has the potential to wipe out entire generations of people, creating major gaps in a population’s ability to provide for their future generations. This in turn can lead to long-term economic hardship and a breakdown in social cohesion. Furthermore, famine can lead to an increase in diseases, as well as disruption to food production, which only compounds the problem for future generations. There is a real fear that hunger and starvation can become permanently entrenched in some countries.
The Church’s Response to Famine
The Church has been an integral part of helping those affected by famine throughout the world. In addition to providing material assistance and relief to the hungry, many churches have developed programmes to help the less fortunate both domestic and abroad. Through educational initiatives, medical aid programs and food relief programs, many churches have become a beacon of light and hope in times of darkness and despair. Moreover, the Church has recognised that famine is much more than a physical deprivation, it is also a spiritual drought, and they have responded by actively promoting the Christian faith, providing of forums for spiritual dialogue and by developing pastoral programs to address this issue.
The Power of Prayer for Famine Relief
An essential part of the Christian’s response to famine has been prayer and intercession. Pastor Jill Town, who has experienced and seen first-hand the plight of the poor and hungry in Rwanda, said this about prayer and its power: “The power of prayer, of intercessory prayer, is seen all around the world. People are convinced, rightly, that if comfort and support were withdrawn for a moment, the human spirit – weakened as it is – would perish.” Prayer is essential in our fight against famine. Jesus told us in Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
The Bible’s Call to End Famine
The Bible’s call to end famine is clear and consistent. In the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, the Lord commands us to “Remember the poor, and be conscious of the hungry, and do justice in the land” (15:11). In other words, the Lord calls us to be mindful of those in need, to help the poor, and to live justly in a world full of hunger and famine. As Jesus said, “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none.” (Luke 3:11). In summary, the Bible urges us to reach out and genuinely care for those who are suffering from famine, and to do what we can to end this human tragedy.
The Role of Government In Addressing Famine
Addressing famine requires a coordinated effort between governments, research and NGO experts, but at the heart of any famine relief, education and aid program needs to be a strong moral and ethical framework. Governments need to have national policies to ensure access to food, encourage improved nutrition and the management of crop yields, while providing education on health and prevention of disease. One of the main strategies employed by governments is to invest in social protection schemes, also known as welfare systems. These entitle individuals to access basic needs such as food, water and health care, as well as providing them with the opportunities to develop their capabilities and acquire a steady income.
The Role of the Private Sector in Addressing Famine
In the modern era, there are opportunities for the private sector to make an invaluable contribution to addressing famine. Companies such as Walmart and Nestle are taking the initiative to provide financial support to communities in need, while others, such as Coca-Cola and Facebook, are providing food assistance and creating job opportunities for local populations. Private sector investment can also be targeted towards disaster relief, education and health, with additional investments needed to improve access to water services and to fund long-term food security initiatives.
The Benefits of Research in Understanding Famine
Research plays an important role in understanding the causes and effects of famine. Studies show that famines can be prevented through early warning systems and rapid responses, while long-term policy changes are needed to ensure better management in the event of a crisis. Data-driven research is essential for gaining an understanding of the underlying causes of famine, not just during droughts or conflicts, but during times of relative peace and economic stability.
Food Security: The Best Solution to Famine
The best way to address famine in the long term is through food security interventions. Interventions such as school feeding programmes, improved irrigation and crop production, increased access to finance, integrated pest and disease management, soil erosion control and infrastructure development aim to provide adequate and safe food choices to local populations. Investment in food security measures can result in greater access to nutritious food sources, improved water and sanitation, and the stabilization of local economies.
