The dynamics of contemporary famine

Presents data on the demographic impact of 2 contemporary Bangladesh famines due to war (1971) and crop failure (1974). Fluctuations of births deaths and migrations are analyzed and disaggregated. From such empirical data an analytical framework delineating the multiple interacting causes and consequences of famine is constructed. The framework postulates that several mutually-reinforcing vicious cycles between infection and malnutrition and between the 3 demographic variables contribute to the impact of acute nutritional crises. The implications of these findings for preventive and remedial interventions are discussed. (Authors)