kathimerini.gr
Ethiopian Famine of 1984-85: A Man-Made Disaster
The 1984-85 Ethiopian famine killed approximately one million people due to drought and the Derg regime's policies that prioritized the military and urban areas over rural populations, leading to widespread starvation; international aid was hampered by government restrictions.
- What were the primary causes of the devastating 1984-85 Ethiopian famine, and what were its immediate consequences?
- The 1984-85 Ethiopian famine, resulting in approximately one million deaths, stemmed from both drought and the Derg regime's policies. The government prioritized supplying urban areas and the military, forcing farmers to sell produce at unfairly low prices, hindering food production and distribution.
- How did the Derg regime's policies contribute to the severity of the famine, and what role did international response play?
- The famine highlights the interplay of environmental factors and government policies in creating humanitarian crises. The Derg regime's economic mismanagement, coupled with its prioritization of military needs over civilian welfare, exacerbated the drought's impact, leading to widespread starvation.
- What lessons can be learned from the Ethiopian famine regarding the prevention of future food crises, and what systemic changes are needed?
- Future famine prevention requires addressing both environmental vulnerabilities and political factors. International aid, while crucial, was hampered by the Derg regime's refusal to allow aid access to rebel-held areas. Strengthening governance and ensuring equitable food distribution are essential to mitigate future crises.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative strongly emphasizes the failings of the Derg regime and the suffering caused by the famine. While this is undeniably important, the framing could be improved by including more balanced perspectives. For example, the headline (if there was one) and the introductory paragraphs primarily focus on the negative aspects of the situation and the culpability of the government. A more nuanced approach might begin by acknowledging the complex interplay of factors, including drought and other challenges, before focusing on the regime's role.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, though the descriptions of the famine's impact are undeniably emotionally charged. Phrases like "biblical famine" and "closest thing to hell on earth" are used to convey the severity of the situation but are not overtly biased. While these phrases are effective in conveying the horror, they also run the risk of overshadowing a more neutral discussion of the underlying political factors.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Ethiopian famine of 1984-85, detailing the political and governmental factors that contributed to the crisis. However, it could benefit from mentioning alternative perspectives on the role of international organizations or other contributing factors beyond government policy. There is little discussion of the long-term effects on the Ethiopian economy or society, which would offer a more complete picture. The article primarily focuses on the negative aspects of the Derg regime, and a more balanced perspective on any positive contributions or mitigating circumstances could improve the analysis. Omission of detailed statistical analysis regarding the famine's impact (beyond death toll) limits the ability to draw fully informed conclusions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the Derg regime's policies and the international response. While it accurately points to the regime's failures, it doesn't fully explore the complexities of international aid distribution, the challenges of providing aid in a war zone, or the limitations of international aid efforts. The presentation that famines only happen in authoritarian regimes simplifies a complex issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details the devastating Ethiopian famine of 1984-85, resulting in the death of approximately one million people. This was not solely due to natural causes, but significantly exacerbated by government policies that prioritized supplying cities and the military over providing food to the affected rural populations. The famine highlights failures in food security and distribution, directly impacting the achievement of Zero Hunger.