This study reviews what we have learned regarding policies and interventions to prevent famine, and how these can be scaled up more rapidly. The research objective can be considered in two parts. The first is about our changed technical understanding of famine dynamics and causal pathways, and the corresponding anticipatory actions that can be undertaken to prevent or mitigate the slide into famine. The second part of the objective is about the politics of famine and the clear link between violent conflict and famine. It explores the extent to which accountability mechanisms and diplomatic approaches are effective and how they might be incorporated into a famine prevention strategy.

The study identifies three broad shifts that could be undertaken to improve these efforts. First, famines should be viewed as complex systems to better understand their evolution and identify ways to prevent their occurrence. Second, political approaches should be considered in tandem with and as equally important as technical approaches in addressing famine. Third, emphasis should be expanded beyond short-term responses to embrace more anticipatory and preventive efforts. The study makes more specific recommendations in the areas of early warning and information systems, early or anticipatory action, multi-sectoral approaches to prevention, accountability mechanisms, and humanitarian diplomacy.