Famine is a phenomenon that is never too far away from the consciousness of the vast majority of the population of Bangladesh—the rural-based population that often has no resources at its disposal other than the labour it can sell. For these people, the condition of famine is one that lurks menacingly in the background at all times and, every few years comes sweeping across, leaving a trail of destruction and dislocation in its wake. Very rarely are steps taken to ascertain the way in which famine is perceived and rationalized by those who are directly afflicted by it. Even less consideration is put on their reactions to the relief activities that they are subjected to. BRAC conducted a research project to try to fill in some of these gaps. The intent was to allow the landless to speak for themselves on these topics and for the researchers to simply try to absorb and, later, report their impressions and opinions. The information was collected through sessions of group discussions: the participants sat together as a group and narrated their experiences and their opinions based on a pre-selected list of topics around the subject of famine. The report states in detail the findings that surfaced from the discussions. Although the report primarily attempted to present the study as an account of the landless people’s opinions, it was compelled at times to analyze their statements and bring together what felt like were important components of their beliefs and ideas. It is also important to point out that the discussions are concentrated on the socioeconomic aspects of the famine problem rather than the actual physical damage it does in the form of malnutrition and starvation.
Author: RED, BRAC
Type: Monograph
Year: 1991