Suchergebnisse

Abstract. This is essentially an exploration of the available information on the effects of natural disasters on Third World agriculture. These effects are a powerful partial explanation of the lack of agricultural self‐sufficiency in a large number of low income countries; and consequently go some way in explaining the occurrence of hunger and poverty in such countries. The paper argues for the systematic collection of economic data on disasters and its analysis and for the establishment of agricultural planning mechanisms in natural disaster‐prone developing countries, to mitigate the adverse effects of such disasters. The mechanisms should be linked to national development planning. The paper also sets out the need for international action on a continuing basis in this field.

The ICRC and the League share, to a very great extent, the Tansley Report opinions on this important question. Naturally, the planning for relief actions diifers in some respects according to whether it is related to natural disasters or to armed conflicts. However, there are important common elements in this planning which merit development and joint study by the ICRC and the League.