This article introduces an analytical framework for understanding the impacts of droughts and floods on rural livelihoods,
based on Sen’s “entitlement approach,” and applies the framework to the recent food crises in Malawi. Weather shocks trigger
a sequence of “entitlement failures,” which can result in a famine unless public action intervenes to mitigate these impacts.
Policy responses can compensate for failures of production-based entitlement (free or subsidized input distribution); labor-based
entitlement (public works programs or “employment-based safety nets”); trade-based entitlement (grain reserve management or
food pricing policies); and transfer-based entitlement (food aid or cash transfers).
JEL classification: Q18, Q54, Q58, R2
Keywords: Agriculture; Cash transfers; Entitlement; Food security; Malawi; Vulnerability