Based on case studies this is an examination of the origins of Third World food dependence, the ways in which food aid is currently being used by the West, the nature of markets as an abstraction and their relationship to real needs.

Analyzing the reasons for the often obscene contrasts of famine and widespread hunger in many parts of the world with the abundance and over-consumption in the developed capitalist countries, this book aims to provide some of the theoretical tools needed for action. The articles examines, among other things, the use of food by donor countries for political ends, trends in food production, land reform, relationships between markets and human needs, the effects of World Bank policies, the subordination and impoverishment of women, and the use of biotechnology.

The origins of Third World food dependence, Harriet Friedmann
moving the lever - a new food aid imperialism, Ben Crow
abstract markets and real needs, Maureen Mackintosh
food crisis and gender conflict in the African countryside, Ann Whitehead
taking the part of peasants?, Henry Bernstein
some economic and political consequences of the Green Revolution in India, Utsa Patnaik
another awkward class - merchants and agrarian change in India, Barbara Harriss
agrarian crisis and political crisis in Mexico, Roger Bartra
structural adjustment, agribusiness and rural women in Tanzania, Marjorie Mbilinyi
hunger and women's survival in a Bangladesh slum, Jane Pryer
poverty, Purdah and women's survival strategies in rural Bangladesh, Naila Kabeer
peasants under contract - agro-food complexes in the Third World, Michael Watts
biotechnology and agricultural development in the Third World, Frederick H. Buttel
urban consumptionism as a route to rural renewal, Robin Jenkins
further resources on food, Charlotte Martin