WHY FAMINE PERSISTS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.

This paper examines the underlying causes of food insecurity in the post-independence Sub- Saharan Africa with a view of determining the proper remedies. While some scholars believe that the problem lies on the legacy of colonialism, overpopulation, food aid, and drought, others argue that mismanagement and urbanization were the major contributing factors. The paper takes a holistic approach by contending that food shortages in post-independence Sub-Saharan Africa have been caused by not only the colonial legacy, food aid, natural disaster or geography, urbanization, and overpopulation, but also by the rampant shifting cultivation, brain drain, wars, and the culture of corruption. It is further argued that the pervasiveness of famine will continue unless and until genuinely transparent, accountable, and responsive governments that are devoid of culture of corruption and recognize the values of rule of law, democratization, and good governance have been firmly established around the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]