â€å“enough Why the Worldã¢â‚¬â„¢s Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty Review

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 · 504 ratings  · 62 reviews

Showtime your review of Enough: Why the World's Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty

Nov 24, 2011 Jaclyn rated it it was ok

written by journalists, more narratives than historical and factual information using scholarly sources
non much all-encompassing focus on Western policies in history that have rendered poor countries poor and the structural factors underlying poverty
when they do mention policy, talks a petty too much about agronomical/farm policy and food assistance, overlooking or merely mentioning briefly social factors, regime, war, abuse--all the other things that influence starvation rather than simply the physi written by journalists, more narratives than historical and factual information using scholarly sources
not much extensive focus on Western policies in history that have rendered poor countries poor and the structural factors underlying poverty
when they practise mention policy, talks a picayune too much about agricultural/farm policy and food aid, overlooking or only mentioning briefly social factors, authorities, state of war, abuse--all the other things that influence starvation rather than simply the physical conquering of food
promotes the image that Westerners should sit in their skyscrapers and make decisions for those in developing countries and provide food for them instead of focusing on development initiatives that brand aid more sustainable and how to empower poor people at a grassroots level; likewise much focus on large assistance organizations, private donors, and not enough on what happens when the money gets there, what works on the ground and what doesn't, specifically where aid needs to be allocated
simplifies "Africa" to mean the but continent in the world that suffers from astringent starvation--this big mass continent that requires Western attention and sympathy; doesn't rightfully put Africans in a place where they have the power to help themselves out; white homo's burden (compare to William Easterly's stand).
resorts to the unproblematic mentality that "we tin do something" if we increase aid; only spends a few pages in the finish making generalized comments about what could be done; cliched ideas of assistance to the poor
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Jan 27, 2019 SusanCope rated information technology it was amazing

This astonishing book provides an urgent understanding of the WorldBank and the World Food Plan. Information technology explains how it is important to assistance African nations irrigate their lands and use genetically superior seeds.

When people talk about helping Americans (United states) get-go, they fail to acknowledge the need to help the poorest of our brethren in Africa, millions of whom are starving to expiry. Our country has been blessed with peace at abode and with natual resource, h2o, and adept climate. African nations n

This amazing book provides an urgent understanding of the WorldBank and the Globe Nutrient Program. It explains how it is important to help African nations gargle their lands and use genetically superior seeds.

When people talk nearly helping Americans (The states) first, they neglect to acknowledge the need to aid the poorest of our brethren in Africa, millions of whom are starving to decease. Our land has been blessed with peace at domicile and with natual resources, water, and skillful climate. African nations demand western technology to assist tame rivers and harsh weather to facilitate irrigation to grow food to feet their poorest citizens.

This volume is a history of the deportment of the few to solve this problem. The Rockerfeller Foundation, Warren Buffet, Bono, and Nib Gates are a few of the heros. Yum (owns Kentucky Fried Chicken, TacoBell, Pizza Hut and other restaurants) is a big donor.

America's food aid progam began with adept intentions in WWI, when hereafter president Herbert Hoover led private efforts to feed and clothe millions of war victims in Europe." . But when federal money got involved, and then did politics, including the beginning of the farm subsidy programs, run by the federal government. These subsidies really depressed the prices for food products in suffering tertiary world nations.

I highly recommend this book.

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Oct 14, 2009 Jenn Hailley rated it it was astonishing

This book is an extremely informative and startling look at the reasons for starvation around the world,and different people and organizations' efforts to eradicate it. Unfortunately I was pretty ignorant on this topic, never having heard of Borlaug, the Green Revolution, the ridiculous subcontract subsidies that westernized rich countries (most particularly the USA) give to well-to-practise farmers, etc. I really recollect this book is good reading for anyone who is interested in why there are so many people star This book is an extremely informative and startling look at the reasons for starvation around the globe,and unlike people and organizations' efforts to eradicate it. Unfortunately I was pretty ignorant on this topic, never having heard of Borlaug, the Green Revolution, the ridiculous farm subsidies that westernized rich countries (most especially the USA) give to well-to-do farmers, etc. I really recollect this volume is adept reading for anyone who is interested in why there are and so many people starving in a globe where other's are sickly rich and selfish. Its a complicated polictical trouble, but its gives me hope to know there are so many doing and so much to assist. How I had never heard of Borlaug, who in this book's description is an unimaginable hero, I don't know. Please READ THIS BOOK!! ...more than

Dec 29, 2016 Chip Hunter rated information technology really liked information technology

I bought and read this book because I wanted to know. Specifically, I wanted to know what hell was the matter with Africa? What is the deal with this unabridged continent that I have been hearing most my whole life and that cannot seem to get on its feet fifty-fifty after so many years of attention and assist from the rest of the world? Why are in that location still millions of starving people in this country of potential plenty??

This volume partially succeeded in answering my questions, only principally attacks these probl

I bought and read this volume because I wanted to know. Specifically, I wanted to know what hell was the affair with Africa? What is the deal with this unabridged continent that I have been hearing about my whole life and that cannot seem to go on its feet even after then many years of attention and aid from the balance of the world? Why are there nonetheless millions of starving people in this land of potential plenty??

This volume partially succeeded in answering my questions, only principally attacks these bug from a single master perspective. The authors come off as suggesting that African agriculture is the 'be all, end all' for helping Africa. While increasing agronomical output may be the best mode to solve these problems, and undoubtedly could be a strong vehicle for driving African economies out of poverty, the failures of agriculture in the past are certainly not the but reason Africa seems stuck in a heat. In fact, even more than than drought and undeveloped markets or infrastructure, I call up good arguments can be fabricated that Africa's worst issues stem from politics. Whether its being defenseless in a tug of war between Communism and Capitalism, life nether Apartheid dominion in Due south Africa, wanton confiscation and redistribution of land in Republic of zimbabwe, murder and rampage by Janjaweed in Darfur and Sudan, or uncomplicated mismanagement and corruption by whatsoever number of African dictators/rulers, civil strife seems to have led the style down the toilet bowl for near of Africa.

That being said, this is an first-class book about the past and nowadays of African agronomics, and the promise that agronomics presents for the future of Africa's people. Well-researched and an engaging read, ENOUGH educates and inspires. Obviously, with such a huge topic as agriculture and focusing on such an enormous area, the book cannot cover every angle, but the authors do an admirable job of making the topic understandable. Providing many private examples that reflect the general situation, the reader volition come up away feeling well-grounded and informed most the effect.

The first one-half of the volume paints a very bleak picture, list the horrifying facts about hunger and malnutrition in Africa, and discussing the many failed efforts of the by to combat these problems. Introducing Norman Borlaug (the male parent of the Green Revolution) and his successful efforts to improve agronomics in poor countries such equally Mexico, Pakistan, and Bharat through plant convenance, the volume discusses the pitfalls and roadblocks that similar programs have had in Africa. It goes on to discuss whole arrays of both isolated and widespread problems that inhibit poor farmers from getting ahead. From water wars to undeveloped markets to poor farming practices to lack of education and the fear of trying untested methods when your life depends on yields, the obstacles facing African agriculture are indeed daunting. Half way through this book you almost start to experience like 'What's the use?'.

Simply then you get to the second half of the book (afterwards some nice and informative black and white photos) and the tone takes a dramatic swing. At present you offset to get the more contempo stories of success, as public and private charities finally figure out good strategies for introducing sustainable and cocky-reinforcing agricultural development projects into Africa. Where government programs had generally failed, Christian charities and corporate-sponsored relief agencies seem to be making progress. Education and infrastructure evolution yield solid and visible results apace, and you actually become the feel of hope for the future (in stark dissimilarity to the beginning half of the book). Western-mode markets are showtime to have shape, where a farmer tin get price guarantees before planting, and worldwide prices can be gauged and taken advantage of. Micro-loan banks begin making small loans available to poor individual farmers, suddenly making more than mod equipment and higher quality seeds obtainable. As you get-go coming to the end of the book, yous'll experience a lot more positive nigh the future, seeing the potential for massive and sustainable growth for some of the worlds poorest areas.

The authors practice have a pet event, and it comes forth in this book constantly. They relentlessly signal out that sending American food aid to Africa doesn't but have the desired consequence of saving people from starvation, but really can negatively effect its intended beneficiaries. They argue that American subsidies to farmers and the United states of america government'south generosity with nutrient help actually hampers the development of food markets in Africa, equally African farmers cannot compete with free, and as African people become dependent on earth nutrient 'welfare'. The authors claim that only sending the money spent on nutrient aid, instead of the actual food, would let relief agencies to buy food from neighboring African countries and would be more beneficial to Africa as a whole. All of this may be truthful, but the fact is that American politico's first concern is getting reelected, not solving world hunger. And, American businessmen's first concern is making money, not solving earth hunger. So while information technology may seem selfish, I don't think we can wait too much to change in regards to American food help policy in the almost future. Hopefully, nosotros tin can reach the point where African countries go less dependent on American food assist in full general, as the continent struggles out of its heat, and joins the residue of the earth in 'enough'.

One disappointing aspect of this book to me was the authors' failure to address the potential benefit that biotechnology could accept for African agriculture. Because of Europe's backward and unfounded views on the dangers of genetic modification, most of Africa has been fearful of accepting the engineering. This is an atrocious shame, every bit genetically transformed crops for insect resistance, drought tolerance, and herbicide tolerance are already available and could produce immense and firsthand increment for Africa.

Also, the authors mildly talk over the detrimental effects that converting grain into biofuel has had on African hunger. To me, this is a very shortsighted standpoint. The whole indicate of this volume is that the globe is capable of producing plenty to feed all of its people. Why then, would nosotros not exist able to produce enough to also fuel our cars? Increased demand for agricultural goods should but exist beneficial to Africa (especially its farmers) in the long term. By opening upward whole new markets for agronomical goods, possibly African farmers will exist able to go fair prices for their goods and really make serious strides toward cocky reliance. A small-scale complaint really, but while the authors didn't really spend a lot of fourth dimension on this effect, it was nevertheless dull to me.

The authors close with a call to action. They remind the reader that while much progress is currently beingness made, at that place are still millions of starving people that demand our help. It is unconscionable to sit back and exercise nothing equally our brothers and sisters, that happened to be born into such terrible circumstances where in that location is no opportunity, starve. Read this book. Brainwash yourself. And take whatever kind of action you can to aid solve this problem.

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Jul 07, 2020 Raz rated it it was amazing

I've been thinking more seriously most hunger since I saw a tweet, of all things. A Twitter user clapped back at a GOP Representative who facetiously advocated for #FoodStampsForAll, explaining how world food production is sufficient to feed the unabridged planet, merely hunger is non assisting to solve. Seeking the how and the why behind his claim, I came across this book. Although its content spans by and large early 2000s to 2009, the message is one of frustration but likewise optimism.

The text is crucial,

I've been thinking more seriously near hunger since I saw a tweet, of all things. A Twitter user clapped back at a GOP Representative who facetiously advocated for #FoodStampsForAll, explaining how world nutrient product is sufficient to feed the entire planet, merely hunger is non profitable to solve. Seeking the how and the why behind his claim, I came across this book. Although its content spans mostly early on 2000s to 2009, the message is one of frustration but besides optimism.

The text is crucial, nuanced, and very digestible. Thurow and Kilman expose what we are non meant to see: cyclical poverty and starvation in Africa, governments that enable the poverty, and Western legislation which cripples Africa'due south power to feed itself through sinister loopholes. For a work of nonfiction, the authors' skilful prose will have you cursing the ignorance of authorities leaders, crying with deflated farmers in Ethiopia, and auspicious the philanthropists who fight admirably confronting global hunger.
Dan Silverstein of the Huffington Post, featured within the front embrace, sums it up best: "Unless you don't give a damn, this is a must read, and it is a must read now."

I urge you — give a damn. Read this volume. Education is the start layer of armor in the state of war against hunger.

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It is a fair handling of the result by the reporters/ authors. As an Ethiopian myself, I empathise with the peoples' stories. I read this volume in the midst of withal some other massive threat of hunger/ starvation confronting more 12 million of my fellow citizens. It'due south eye breaking. It is a fair treatment of the upshot past the reporters/ authors. Every bit an Ethiopian myself, I sympathize with the peoples' stories. I read this volume in the midst of withal some other massive threat of hunger/ starvation against more than than 12 million of my young man citizens. Information technology's heart breaking. ...more

This is definitely a well-written and very readable book on hunger and agricultural development. It's fast-paced and filled with personal anecdotes and profiles that make the upshot much more than concrete and approachable (something that can be a chip difficult when you're talking about subsidies and ag research). The offset part of the book is a pretty scathing look at how American agricultural subsidies and insistence on food help hurt developing countries. The main case study used by the authors is E This is definitely a well-written and very readable book on hunger and agricultural evolution. It's fast-paced and filled with personal anecdotes and profiles that make the issue much more physical and approachable (something that can exist a bit difficult when you lot're talking nigh subsidies and ag research). The first part of the book is a pretty scathing look at how American agricultural subsidies and insistence on food help hurt developing countries. The main case study used past the authors is Ethiopia, although they do occasionally bring in Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and a handful of other African countries. The 2d part of the volume is slightly more than positive and recounts the establishment of a commodities substitution in Ethiopia and other steps taken to build markets and infrastructure - steps that were assumed away or ignored during the 80s and structural adjustment. The authors end with a articulate breakdown of recommendations that include large-calibration policy changes and smaller-scale projects. However, an anecdote nearly two housewives in Alabama who influenced their congressman to innovate a bill gives the reader some reassurance that change is possible and even ordinary folk tin can bring it almost.

At present, this book is far from perfect and is (absolutely) narrowly focused on Africa and how the Green Revolution failed information technology. There isn't much give-and-take of Asia and problems such as fertilizer overuse, focus on cash crops, dependence on hybrid seeds that must exist bought each year, and Republic of india's highly publicized malnutrition rates despite the supposed success of the Greenish Revolution in India. In addition the authors accost country reform in a throwaway mode (in describing Mexico when Norman Borlaug was working at that place), saying that land reform isn't plenty. Well plain information technology isn't, but it also hasn't happened at all to a satisfactory level in a lot of places. The authors somewhat address the political nature of hunger citing examples like Darfur where crops were destroyed when villages were attacked. 1 of the authors' recommendations towards the finish goes something like "And African politicians shouldn't exist decadent and preclude agricultural evolution." Well. The sideways approach to discussing the politics of development in Africa throughout the book could take been seen every bit a way of staying focused on a item message for an audience in the US. Notwithstanding, the throwaway recommendation at the stop indicates the authors don't really want to explore the complexity of politics and how their same analysis of involvement groups in the U.s. can exist applied to whatever state. Yes, hunger and dearth are non always deliberate tools of state of war, but the authors paint the global Due south every bit a mass of poor governments with no decision-making power.

Although the book does focus on agricultural development, the claim that its recommendations are the way to end hunger ignores a growing demographic: the urban poor. Urban growth and urbanization in African countries and around the world mean that attention must be paid to how they tie into nutrient production and pricing. I of course, strongly concur with the authors that we must pay attention to agriculture, which has been systematically ignored for a long time. However, I really recall their assay could have been strengthened by at least briefly addressing what ag reform will exercise for those who aren't farmers. Otherwise, it almost seems to play on the stereotype of Africa every bit a continent of uniformly impoverished smallholders. Another consequence to consider is the huge differences between countries in the global Due south. When talking nigh catastrophe subsidies and retooling agricultural aid, we do need to accost the differences between countries similar Argentina and countries like the Key African Commonwealth and how reforming subsidies, help, etc will bear upon global agricultural dynamics and how those global changes will in turn affect development in diverse African countries (and how it will differ among these countries - it's a diverse continent afterward all).

For all its faults though, I would not judge this book too harshly. It isn't an bookish work - and doesn't need to be. The authors are journalists and they write in a manner that's engaging and accessible while still being informative and analytical. I started Enough effectually 6 in the evening and couldn't put information technology down until I finished it effectually two or 3 in the morning. I would definitely encourage everyone to read it, at least to get some discussion going. Doha failed, merely Enough plays on the slight promise that nosotros tin change that. Information technology might non exist plenty to 'solve hunger,' merely it'due south certainly a start.

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It's a shame that a book like this had to exist written. It's non a doom & gloom book simply I think anyone who reads it would be hard pressed to feel good after reading it. It clearly demonstrated how help from the "commencement" world to the "third" earth was detrimental to the farmers but made pointless by the World Depository financial institution & Earth Trade Organisation policies, especially Structural Aligning. The "first" world was substantially giving with one paw & taking with the other. The book also highlighted the Light-green R It's a shame that a volume similar this had to be written. It's not a doom & gloom book simply I think anyone who reads information technology would be difficult pressed to experience good subsequently reading it. It clearly demonstrated how aid from the "kickoff" world to the "tertiary" world was detrimental to the farmers merely fabricated pointless by the World Banking company & World Merchandise Organization policies, specially Structural Adjustment. The "first" world was substantially giving with one paw & taking with the other. The book too highlighted the Dark-green Revolution started past Norman Borlaug & his various efforts throughout the years to help. It highlights the destruction in places similar Ethiopia, Sudan & even goes into the dearth in Republic of ireland & how they were perplexed that no one seemed to acquire from their problems. Even with the assist given to countries in Africa, a very simple but overlooked issue was highlighted past someone from the continent who was trying to help: the aid, specially to farmers meant nothing if Africa didn't accept a market for it's farmers. The merely thing I didn't like about this book was that the writer(due south), when highlighting Bono'due south efforts, seemed to put him on a pedestal but fortunately it'due south brief enough that it tin be ignored to stay focused on the overall message in the volume, which is that in the "first" globe tin can have abroad from our overabundance & surplus to help other countries & still have enough to fill up our wants & needs & and so some. Information technology's a book that helps one gain a amend perspective of people's various positions in the world, how nosotros view our own issues vs the bug of others & the fact that we can do what we want & need & don't take to put others in harms manner via starvation. I recommend it to everyone. ...more

This volume addresses an important effect that does not receive enough attention. If for no other reason, people should read this book in lodge to understand the worldwide implications of the subcontract subsidies in the US (and Europe likewise, for that matter). The authors claim (and the signal stands whether or not one agrees with the specific numbers) that the hunger-related aid from the US to Africa is virtually completely offset by the amount that United states of america farm subsidies take from African farmers; the subsidies ca This book addresses an important issue that does non receive enough attention. If for no other reason, people should read this book in order to sympathize the worldwide implications of the farm subsidies in the US (and Europe too, for that matter). The authors claim (and the point stands whether or non one agrees with the specific numbers) that the hunger-related aid from the Us to Africa is virtually completely offset by the amount that US subcontract subsidies take from African farmers; the subsidies crusade United states food production to increase, which lowers the worldwide cost, which causes African farmers to reduce production considering they can no longer compete. Even though African farmers produce food more cost-effectively, American farmers button them out of the market. In reality, much of the "humanitarian aid" sent to other countries ends up in the pockets of Us farmers due to these market distortions. Another interesting/tragic fact is that the US limits its hunger-related aid to Us crops. Fifty-fifty if food is available in Africa for purchase during a humanitarian crisis, the United states insists on shipping dwelling-grown food (and incurring the higher costs and travel delays) to ensure a marketplace for American farmers. These are just a couple of the facts in this volume that brand one blench. With information, though, people can human action to put an terminate to some of the policies that ensure poverty on the other side of the world. This book also cites a number of organizations that help to solve this ongoing tragedy. ...more

One-judgement review: Well-researched, good balance between statistics and stories, humbling, and inspiring.

I took forever to cease this, because I'm the kind of reader who tin only take so much reality in i sitting. The authors make the example that hunger is the biggest moral upshot facing humanity today, and information technology'south hard to disagree.

The bigger statement, and the one that surprised me, is that earth hunger is not an unavoidable, insurmountable event. Yes, droughts happen, wars happen, but famines ar

One-sentence review: Well-researched, practiced rest between statistics and stories, humbling, and inspiring.

I took forever to finish this, because I'm the kind of reader who can only take so much reality in one sitting. The authors brand the case that hunger is the biggest moral effect facing humanity today, and information technology'due south hard to disagree.

The bigger argument, and the one that surprised me, is that earth hunger is not an unavoidable, insurmountable issue. Aye, droughts happen, wars happen, only famines are preventable. Preventable! This is true in part because many of the contributing factors are things that are within our power to alter. We can't make pelting, merely we can aid small farmers build dams and irrigation systems. We tin support "smart subsidies" in developing nations, and then that farmers have some protection against ingather failures and price fluctuations. The choices nosotros make in the get-go world (biofuels, subcontract subsidies, the political calculus of food aid, the list goes on) have repercussions throughout the developing world. The actions of individuals -- whether church ladies, politicians, gazillionaire philanthropists, or stone stars -- have fabricated a difference, but in that location is still then very far to go.

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Green revolution: "The tape harvests brought just more misery to the farmers, equally the surpluses led to price collapses. Beyond the harvest gains, certain vital aspects of the Greenish Revolution never made it to Africa. In that location has been no investment in rural infrastructure to enable the movement of crops from where they were plentiful to where they were scarce, no development of markets then farmers could become fair prices, no financing to support farmers, no subsidies to absorber them against toll dro Green revolution: "The tape harvests brought only more misery to the farmers, every bit the surpluses led to price collapses. Beyond the harvest gains, certain vital aspects of the Greenish Revolution never made it to Africa. There has been no investment in rural infrastructure to enable the movement of crops from where they were plentiful to where they were scarce, no evolution of markets so farmers could get fair prices, no financing to support farmers, no subsidies to cushion them against price drops, no crop insurance to compensate them for conditions disasters. The political will to end the job of ending famine had evaporated in Africa." p. xii

"In the United states, ethanol-fuel makers were devouring virtually thirty percent of the nation's corn crop by 2009, roughly doubling the amount they used in 2006." p. X?

"At that place would be no subsidies, no rural financing, no toll supports, no crop insurance--benefits available, in varying degrees, to farmers almost everywhere else in the world. In those blessed areas, specially in the U.s., a crop fails and the authorities writes a check. In Africa, a crop fails and people dice." p. twoscore

Drying aquifers
Crop insurance
Micro nutrients: vitamin A, atomic number 26, zinc

LAOS

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Mar 17, 2015 Bob Anderson rated it actually liked it

This volume has an of import betoken to make: basically, the world produces enough food to feed Africa, and Africa could produce enough food to feed itself, just the structures that nosotros accept to bargain with food don't work quite right. Farmers there have a problem with the regular blast/bosom wheel that comes from non having admission to avant-garde markets and storage: a good harvest is associated with other farmers having proficient harvests, which drives down the prices you become for your grain, which makes yous unabl This book has an important point to make: basically, the earth produces enough food to feed Africa, and Africa could produce enough nutrient to feed itself, simply the structures that we have to deal with nutrient don't work quite right. Farmers there have a problem with the regular nail/bust cycle that comes from not having admission to advanced markets and storage: a expert harvest is associated with other farmers having good harvests, which drives down the prices yous get for your grain, which makes you unable to afford as much seed or fertilizer, etc, which makes you plant much less for next year, which makes you very vulnerable to a render to the mean in growing atmospheric condition. The volume does a good job of making the argument that better crop yields lonely, or famine relief alone, are not enough, and in fact benefit the rich west more than they do good the Africans they are intended to assistance. What Africa needs is infrastructure, good government, and the ability to take actions (such equally farm subsidies) that take worked for other countries while still getting assistance from the west. As well frequently we are stuck in the mindset of looking after our own long-term goals while looking just at others' short-term needs, and this volume gives an antidote to that ailment. ...more

Jul 10, 2011 Jackie rated it liked information technology

If I could take given this book 3.five stars, I would take. I learned a lot and plant information technology fascinating. At the same time, there were a number of chapters that I felt were wholly unnecessary (e.1000. the genesis of Bono's philanthropy). There were also a number of conjectures that I just didn't feel I could totally trust without some kind of outside reference. For example, the authors claim that the major reason the Imf abandoned its restrictions on countries from giving subsidies to their farmers was Ma If I could have given this volume iii.5 stars, I would have. I learned a lot and found it fascinating. At the aforementioned time, there were a number of chapters that I felt were wholly unnecessary (e.one thousand. the genesis of Bono's philanthropy). There were also a number of conjectures that I but didn't feel I could totally trust without some kind of outside reference. For example, the authors merits that the major reason the Imf abandoned its restrictions on countries from giving subsidies to their farmers was Malawi's disregard of those rules and subsequent success. But I discover it a little difficult to swallow that Malawi, on its ain, got the IMF to change its rules on this. It could be truthful, but without references, I know I won't share the story with others like it is fact.

It's definitely worth reading if yous want to larn virtually and synthesize information on how agronomics, assistance, health, and trade all come together in Africa to create sometimes undesired outcomes. But you will certainly demand supplemental materials to more broadly support what are undoubtedly powerful anecdotes.

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Mar 26, 2012 Caro rated it liked it

This was a very interesting book and I learned a lot from it. It felt similar more than of a drove of articles rather than a cohesive book, though. The authors talked about how of import it is to increase crop yields, then in the next affiliate how increased crop yields would atomic number 82 to crisis without the markets to support them. In one affiliate they talked nigh how ingather subsidies in the West are hurting farmers around the world, then about how those farmers desperately need subsidies themselves. These This was a very interesting book and I learned a lot from it. It felt like more than of a collection of articles rather than a cohesive book, though. The authors talked almost how of import it is to increment crop yields, then in the next chapter how increased crop yields would lead to crunch without the markets to support them. In one chapter they talked about how crop subsidies in the West are hurting farmers around the world, and then about how those farmers desperately need subsidies themselves. These things can be logically put together, but the authors presented them without making the necessary connections or explaining how the policies didn't contradict themselves. That being said, the book is a practiced read. The first one-half explains the history of globe hunger and attempts to address it in the 20th and 21st centuries, and why we oasis't succeeded. The second half is mostly inspirational stories of how people take made differences in the hunger trouble in Africa. ...more than

Jun 13, 2012 Jonathan rated information technology really liked it

This is an important read for anyone who cares about why people still starve in a world as rich as ours. The authors exercise a fantastic job of connecting what happens in an Ethiopian dearth with what happens on American farmland, and how the decisions of African governments are deeply influenced by the decisions of Western legislatures and global economic bodies. Without falling into ideological bias, the authors both critique and commend politicians and NGO leaders of several different ideological This is an important read for anyone who cares near why people nevertheless starve in a world as rich equally ours. The authors do a fantastic job of connecting what happens in an Ethiopian famine with what happens on American farmland, and how the decisions of African governments are deeply influenced past the decisions of Western legislatures and global economic bodies. Without falling into ideological bias, the authors both critique and commend politicians and NGO leaders of several different ideological bents - whether they're Globe Bank policy makers, American Congressmen, or Beak Gates, Norman Borlaug, and Bono. My only complaint is that there were a few small contradictions across the chapters every bit different topics were covered - I could see how those contradictions could be explained, but the authors didn't bother to, which I think might mislead some people who are perceptive enough to come across the bug but not quite analytical enough to meet how they resolve. ...more

Jun fourteen, 2010 Nicole rated it really liked it

This was a well-written and thorough introduction to the political factors that take contributed to nutrient security problems in Africa and to some solutions that take been tried there (both successes and failures). The authors include personal stories also every bit statistics, which makes the volume very readable, and practical suggestions for changes nosotros can support go along it from existence overwhelming.

I was disappointed, nevertheless, that a book supposedly about worldwide hunger focused simply on Africa. The pe

This was a well-written and thorough introduction to the political factors that have contributed to nutrient security problems in Africa and to some solutions that accept been tried in that location (both successes and failures). The authors include personal stories as well as statistics, which makes the volume very readable, and applied suggestions for changes we can support keep information technology from existence overwhelming.

I was disappointed, notwithstanding, that a book supposedly about worldwide hunger focused but on Africa. The percentage of the population who are hungry is higher there, only the number of hungry people is higher in Asia - so it'due south disturbing that Asia is presented equally a success story for the Green Revolution without farther exam of hunger there, especially in a volume that does point out how many of Africa'south famines stem from factors other than underproduction.

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This is a readable volume that allows the reader to view the issue of hunger on many different scales with the many unlike players. It gives a historical context and humanizes the players. I enjoyed reading information technology and will use it as a jumping off point. I learned a lot from this book!

At that place are some problems that I have with this book.
1. The last chapter offers major points that need to be addressed. Some of these points were not addressed inside the book itself, which is a picayune frustrating.
two. It'

This is a readable book that allows the reader to view the issue of hunger on many different scales with the many dissimilar players. It gives a historical context and humanizes the players. I enjoyed reading it and will utilise it equally a jumping off signal. I learned a lot from this book!

There are some bug that I have with this book.
1. The final chapter offers major points that need to be addressed. Some of these points were non addressed within the volume itself, which is a lilliputian frustrating.
2. It'southward mostly anecdotes, which is fine considering history and problems are built of people's experiences and makes it more than readable. Just anecdotes aren't something you should apply to answer questions of "Why?" and "How?"
3. I can't get over the horn tooting of the philanthropic endeavors by the western church groups.

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Apr 01, 2016 Elfl0ck rated it really liked it

This is one of my favorite kinds of books: and important contemporary issue described with physical examples, a nice narrative sense, and accessible language. And thankfully, the authors spends as much time on potential solutions as on descriptions of the problems.

Thurow and Kilman touch on many different aspects of hunger, including local policy, international policy, and ecological bug, and e'er uses a historical instance as the starting signal rather than drowning in pure theory. My simply c

This is one of my favorite kinds of books: and important contemporary issue described with concrete examples, a nice narrative sense, and accessible language. And thankfully, the authors spends as much time on potential solutions as on descriptions of the problems.

Thurow and Kilman bear upon on many different aspects of hunger, including local policy, international policy, and ecological problems, and ever uses a historical example as the starting point rather than drowning in pure theory. My only criticism is that the book feels a little episodic. If I recollect correctly, a lot of the content was based on Thurow's and Kilman'southward work equally journalists, and in stringing together all of their findings, they occasionally echo themselves.

...more than

I learned more than about geo-politics and agriculture than I had ever thought that I'd care to know. My showtime supposition most this volume is that information technology would be railing on greedy Americans, and in all honesty it sort of did, but it did so in a way that was fair and convincing. It was a far more than interesting book than I had thought information technology would be and the book told many great stories of people who were either helping, being helped or needing assist and how geo-politics are impacting the power to help starvi I learned more nigh geo-politics and agriculture than I had ever idea that I'd intendance to know. My first assumption about this volume is that information technology would be railing on greedy Americans, and in all honesty information technology sort of did, but information technology did and then in a way that was fair and convincing. It was a far more interesting book than I had thought information technology would be and the book told many nifty stories of people who were either helping, being helped or needing help and how geo-politics are impacting the ability to assist starving nations. Information technology also exposed the organic fad that nosotros are currently experiencing. I highly recommend this book, it almost made me want to get a bio-engineer and work in agronomics. ...more

Aug 13, 2009 Sara rated it it was amazing

Was given this to read for piece of work. It is really good. Written by 2 WSJ journalists..so very well written, based on stories they did over years...some of the stuff I knew, but also learned/verified a lot near global agricultural markets and why things are so crazy.
Also, it is written and then that the stories are told about actual people, makes it really..gut-wrenching. I cried at one point.
Since I am now going to exist working on agronomics and nutrient security issues in this new job..this was a proficient ins Was given this to read for work. Information technology is actually good. Written by ii WSJ journalists..and then very well written, based on stories they did over years...some of the stuff I knew, but also learned/verified a lot about global agronomical markets and why things are so crazy.
Also, it is written so that the stories are told about bodily people, makes information technology really..gut-wrenching. I cried at ane indicate.
Since I am now going to exist working on agriculture and nutrient security issues in this new job..this was a good inspiration. :)
Anybody should probably read this. Yup. ...more

Not quite the weekend read I was expecting, just am intrigued and disturbed by the politics of hunger as described in this book.

All the globe'south advancements seem useless when in that location are parts of the world, esp Africa, where the basic man demand for nutrient and water are not fulfilled. The biggest irony - equally has been described many times before - is that of starving farmers. This, when, according to the book, Africa has about twice equally much arable land than the European Union!

And all this, simply in t

Not quite the weekend read I was expecting, but am intrigued and disturbed by the politics of hunger equally described in this book.

All the world'due south advancements seem useless when in that location are parts of the world, esp Africa, where the basic human need for nutrient and h2o are non fulfilled. The biggest irony - as has been described many times earlier - is that of starving farmers. This, when, according to the volume, Africa has almost twice equally much arable state than the European union!

And all this, merely in the preface! even so to go through the rest of the book.

A must-read for all of usa.

...more

Oct 19, 2009 Steve marked information technology as to-read

I am the first person to cheque this book out at the UI Chief Library. It fifty-fifty came with the cover flap. I have decide to collect these since at checkout they were going to merely throw it away. Maybe this is part of the trouble we have in beingness a office of the solution to hunger. Nosotros throw away enough food to feed how many starving poor in Africa? We have grown up in America with a throw-away mentality.

Short review: Walks through the agricultural revolution that occurred in Asia and the Americas but did non really achieve Africa. There is lot of info nigh why Africa continues to have problems in spite of the international Assist and attention. A very proficient and well documented book, although it tin can be a little dry in places.

My full review is at http://bookwi.se/enough-why-the-world...

Brusk review: Walks through the agricultural revolution that occurred in Asia and the Americas but did not really accomplish Africa. At that place is lot of info about why Africa continues to take problems in spite of the international Aid and attention. A very good and well documented book, although information technology can be a niggling dry out in places.

My full review is at http://bookwi.se/plenty-why-the-world...

...more

I profoundly enjoyed this book. It is a non-fiction book that reads similar a fiction book: it has a protagonist, antagonist(s), and a plot line. It illustrates the complexity of food insecurity in Africa, and offers explanations as to why the Green Revolution never took root at that place. Information technology is easily accessible to those with no prior education on food security issues, and is an center-opening read. It deserves a much wider audience than it likely attracts.

Mar 19, 2010 Stacy rated information technology actually liked it

I happened upon this book at my library & I'm very glad I did. It was a very well-written, informative introduction to the realities of hunger and food security issues. Eye opening!! The style of writing actually kept me going through some difficult material--realizing that all nosotros do is just a drop in the saucepan of what really needs to be done. I tin can't wait to share it with others. I happened upon this book at my library & I'm very glad I did. Information technology was a very well-written, informative introduction to the realities of hunger and food security problems. Middle opening!! The style of writing really kept me going through some difficult fabric--realizing that all we do is only a drop in the bucket of what really needs to be done. I can't wait to share it with others. ...more than

Mar 31, 2010 C rated it actually liked it

Periodically I demand reminders of only how much I really enjoy in the class of fabric security. This book is likewise a good lesson on the complexity of international diplomacy and why globalization doesn't ever work out and so well (subsidies for rich state farmers but none for African farmers has made a very unfair playing field). Periodically I need reminders of just how much I really enjoy in the form of material security. This volume is besides a good lesson on the complexity of international affairs and why globalization doesn't always work out so well (subsidies for rich country farmers but none for African farmers has made a very unfair playing field). ...more

Dec 27, 2011 Fred Rose rated it it was amazing

"Thurow is coming to IonE/Mpls in Sept. to speak (Sept xv, check the IonE website) but in any case, food production is likewise the topic for the Acara Challenge coming upwards. Very good volume, very readable. Like many types of aid, giving crops to the starving in Africa undercut the local food producers and prevents the local agronomical economy from becoming sustainable." "Thurow is coming to IonE/Mpls in Sept. to speak (Sept 15, check the IonE website) merely in any case, nutrient production is as well the topic for the Acara Challenge coming upward. Very good book, very readable. Like many types of aid, giving crops to the starving in Africa undercut the local food producers and prevents the local agricultural economy from condign sustainable." ...more than

Jun 30, 2012 Hazem rated it really liked it

A very helpful resource, and information technology comes in handy these days with the rise of water related bug between Egypt and Federal democratic republic of ethiopia. Reading this volume will give y'all some insights about the dynamics of water conflicts, agricultural development, and some economic rationale. I wouldn't fully approve the writers views especially when it comes to the river nile bug. A very helpful resource, and it comes in handy these days with the rising of water related problems between Egypt and Ethiopia. Reading this book will give you some insights about the dynamics of water conflicts, agricultural development, and some economic rationale. I wouldn't fully corroborate the writers views especially when information technology comes to the river nile issues. ...more

An enthralling account of the problems of starvation and why the poorest countries (mostly in Africa) are however suffering despite the Greenish Revolution and the vast amount of aid they receive. The causes plow out to be largely political rather than environmental. Although the issues seem intractable, the book goes on to highlight remedies that are already in identify and possible time to come solutions.

Jan 09, 2016 Alyssa rated it it was astonishing

A bang-up historical perspective on the evolution of hybrid seed by Norman Borlaug and countless others to accost poverty and hunger effectually the world. This is an incredibly accessible read, enjoyable even. I capeesh that the book addresses bug of pesticide use and other environmental concerns from a nonjudgmental lens. Very informative.

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