Famine and Dynamic Systems

Dynamic Systems theory recognizes that development occurs in rapidly changing, complex environments through interactions between biological/ecological and social/political/economic systems, mediated by technology. The dynamics systems approach, developed by the STEPS Centre, challenges conventional, linear forms of development that often seek to eliminate and control natural variability rather than respond or adapt to it. As I have discussed in previous posts, conventional forms of development (or humanitarian aid in the case of famine) tend to be narrow in scope, apolitical, and lack flexibility/adaptability in a constantly changing, politically and socially complex world. Conventional responses, if they are development-based, tend to focus on a singular path to development, often “progress,” “modernization,” or “economic growth.” Or they ignore the possibility of development and just provide emergency rations of food.

The STEPS centre, defines development as “change that contributes to reduced poverty, improved well being and social justice for marginalised women, men and children in developing countries.” Rather than a singular path to development, dynamics systems involves the concept of pathways - there are a variety of methods to achieving development and these pathways change for different individuals or groups and in different settings. Each individual or group, from the president to the ministry of agriculture to the urban shop owner to the most marginalized people in a society, has different standpoints and different priorities – they “frame” things differently – and the myriad of different potential framings, in combination with objective (or as objective as possible) social, technological and ecological realities are all important considerations.

From a working paper by the STEPS centre: “How, and in what circumstances, can dynamic, intertwined social, technological and ecological change contribute to processes and outcomes that are more resilient, sustainable and, socially just? How can multiple values and framings be dealt with in ways that support, rather than undermine, marginalized peoples’ own perspectives and priorities?”

More can be read about the STEPS centre and dynamics systems at their website, www.steps-centre.org.

How can we apply the concept of dynamics systems to famine? de Waal’s analysis of different famine situations in Africa – especially the importance that he places on political and institutional considerations – fit well into the concepts of dynamics systems. Throughout the book, he provides an analysis of different famines in Africa at different time points, within different political and social contexts. He challenges humanitarian aid organizations (and foreign governments) that ignore the complexities of the causes of famine, claiming the need to be apolitical or neutral, and repeat the same mistakes over and over again.

It seems to me that the concept of dynamics systems could be useful in famine situations in two ways. First is analyzing the complexities (political, economic, ecological) involved in the causes of famine(as de Waal does throughout Famine Crimes). What are the interactions between environmental conditions (drought, agriculture), political conditions(authoritarian governments, civil wars, humanitarian interventions), social conditions (marginalization, ethnic conflicts, gender issues), economic conditions (extreme poverty, lack of economic opportunity, food prices) that create famine? How do different groups within a society view these conditions and how are they affected? What solutions have been tried before in similar conditions? Why did they fail or succeed? Famines too often receive attention once they become emergency situations and food rations are the only option for relief. Once the drama is over, organizations move on to the next crisis situation, often with rubber-stamp solutions, regardless of the situation.

de Waal describes many countries in which early warning systems for famines are put into place. These warning systems often are managed and funded by foreign agencies, don't involve and are not made known to the public, and are technical in nature (they warn, for example, that the grain supply is low and grain needs to be imported). A new kind of early warning system, based on dynamic systems concepts, that takes into account all of the complexities of famine situations and managed by the public (community groups, local NGOs, etc) might be more useful in lessening the possibility of or the detrimental effects of famine. Humanitarian agencies, then, might have a place in working alongside communities and politicians to develop these warning systems - which will be different for each country and each context.

Secondly, once the causes and symptoms of famine are better understood by the public, by governments, and by humanitarian agencies, dynamics systems concepts could be used in shaping famine prevention/response policies. Responses should be highly dependent on context and several pathways to famine relief should be explored. Most of the responses depicted in Famine Crimes involved singular solutions, regardless of the economic, political, or ecological contexts which undoubtedly vary from country to country. These solutions were usually not designed to reach marginalized populations or affect people in a way that mattered to them beyond their immediate needs of not starving.

Recognizing and being frank about different priorities that are involved (governments wanting to stay in power, humanitarian organizations wanting to save people or promote their own cause, rural communities wanting to be able to maintain their livestock, urban residents wanting affordable maize flour) is important could lead to a myriad of possible solutions.

The STEPS Centre is currently carrying out research on environmental change and maize in Kenya (learn more here). From their website:

"This project takes maize as a window through which to explore differential responses to climate change, market uncertainties and land use changes over time. It traces different types of innovation and response proposed by various actors – public agricultural research institutions, donors, development agencies, private companies and farmers."

"Drought resistance for staple crops is the holy grail of plant breeding in the developing world, particularly in Africa, where limited irrigation constrains agricultural growth. This challenge becomes even more acute with the prospect of greater variability in rainfall patterns as a result of environmental change."

The research involves many different groups of stakeholders and addresses several different environmental and economic conditions. The project recognizes that some conditions, like drought or climate change and maybe even famine, can't necessarily be prevented or controlled but seeks to investigate and implement solutions involving processes that can be controlled. The idea of dynamic systems approaches (in my mind at least) is not to solve and/or end of all of the world's problems but to recognize the possibility of uncertainty and enable populations to adapt to change, be prepared for potential calamities, and exist in a constant state of learning, understanding, and responding. As de Waal makes evident, what has been done and what is being done is not working and, especially in situations where a political contract between governments and citizens cannot be established, the dynamics systems approach might provide a way forward.