Are the severity of famines caused by human or physical factors?

Physical factors such as changes in the El Nino weather cycle can cause famines as changes in the cycle can cause droughts in sub-saharan Africa or Southern Asia. However these droughts can be either mitigated or worsened depending on how well the contry's government and other people groups respond to the droughts. Poor government policies and an over reliance on one source of food can lead to a very severe famine. Other human factors that can lead to severe famines are war, inflation and population inbalance.

DN
Answered by Dermot N. Geography tutor

1888 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Using a case study, assess whether the primary effects of a volcanic eruption are more or less significant than those of an earthquake. (8mks)


Outline two possible environmental impacts of deforestation


Give two reasons why tropical storms eventually lose their energy


With the use of examples, explain how physical factors can hinder a country's development


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning