Entitlement Failure from a Food Quality Perspective: The Life and Death Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Humanitarian Crises

Abstract

While a lack of energy and protein has long been associated with increased risk of mortality during periods of food crisis, the importance of vitamins and minerals in shaping the vulnerability of individuals, and of entire populations, to disease and death has received less attention (Toole 1993). Although a lack of food (in absolute terms) is not usually identified as a major ‘cause’ of death in most humanitarian emergencies, much crisis-related mortality may be ascribed to a lack of appropriate foods where key nutrients are concerned. Food quality (the diversity of foods consumed and their adequacy in terms of nutrient content) therefore matters a great deal in determining the evolution and impact of emergencies, contributing not only to outbreaks of disease but to diminished capacity of individuals to cope with entitlement failure.