Which demographic is primarily responsible for malnourishment in famine situations?

In famine situations, women often bear the brunt of malnourishment due to a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. Women typically have additional nutritional needs related to reproductive health, including pregnancy and lactation, and they often prioritize feeding their children and other family members over themselves. This self-sacrificial behavior can lead to insufficient nutritional intake, particularly during crises.

Additionally, women are frequently responsible for food preparation and distribution in many societies, and they may have limited access to resources or decision-making power that could improve their nutritional status. In contexts where food is scarce, women may face barriers that prevent them from securing sufficient food for themselves, further compounding issues of malnourishment.

Understanding the roles and challenges faced by women in famine contexts highlights why they are often disproportionately affected by malnutrition. Their vital position in household nutrition and caregiving, coupled with societal limitations, places them in a demographic that is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of famine.