“Corn and Hunger” explores the far-reaching implications of corn's central role in global food security, especially for vulnerable populations in Africa and Latin America. The book examines how fluctuations in corn supply chains—affected by factors like climate change and agricultural economics—can trigger humanitarian crises. Corn's significance extends beyond direct consumption; it's vital for animal feed and biofuel, contributing to price volatility. The book uniquely connects global corn markets to the lived experiences of those facing food insecurity, emphasizing the social and political ramifications of corn shortages.
The book offers a historical overview of corn cultivation since the Green Revolution, looking at the trade-offs between increased production and environmental consequences. Using data from organizations like the FAO and the World Bank, the analysis combines economic insights with perspectives from field research. Organized into three parts, the book first introduces corn as a global commodity, then focuses on the specific impacts of shortages in Africa and Latin America, and finally proposes policy recommendations for building resilient food systems.
