A history of famine on the southwestern Ethiopian border: The case of Akobo (1950-1991)

Abstract

Famine has been a common phenomenon in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian borderland also experienced a series of famines. This paper examined the famines that occurred during the second half of the 20th century in Akobo, an area located in Gambella, south-western Ethiopia. The study was conducted through rigorous consultation of archives and the related literature. This study viewed famine from a historical perspective as an event caused by multiple factors and resulting in diverse effects. Therefore, it investigated the cause and ramifications of famine and mitigation measures taken by stakeholders in alleviating such acute problems on the southwestern Ethiopian border. The famines that struck Akobo were  caused by both geophysical and historical processes. Hunger, migration and changes in livelihood were the major consequences. Efforts were made to mitigate the problem of famine, although shortcomings were observed.