Washington Post: Five myths about famine
Gayle Smith, president and chief executive of the ONE Campaign

“We are facing one of the worst humanitarian crises since World War II. As the looming threat and tragic reality of famine spread across South Sudan, northern Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen, 20 million people are in urgent need of food and other assistance. But … there is widespread confusion about what famine is and what we can do to help. Myth no. one: Famine is caused by drought or overpopulation. … Myth no. two: To prevent famine, we need better ways to predict it. … Myth no. three: A country on the brink of famine is on the verge of a crisis. … Myth no. four: During famine, the greatest risk is starving to death. … Myth no. five: Famine relief and other aid enables corrupt officials and doesn’t help people in need. … President Trump, when meeting with the pope last month, promised $300 million in famine relief for Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria. That was a good gesture, but the real statement is in his budget proposal … Without [disaster relief and famine prevention] tools, we risk losing our ability to prevent a scourge that can kill millions” (6/9).