Abstract: A case study of the Ethiopian Famine of 1972–4, which had a reported death toll of between 50, 000 and 200, 000 in a population of about 27 million. An explanation for the famine is analysed in terms of the most common approach used—food availability decline (FAD), but this is rejected except for the situation in the province of Wollo, which is discussed in terms of possible transport or entitlement constraints. The occupational status of the destitutes (victims) in Wollo is analysed and the most susceptible groups—the nomadic pastoralists and the agriculturalists—identified. The entitlement situations of these two groups are discussed.

Keywords: agriculturalists, case studies, destitution, entitlements, Ethiopia, famine, food availability decline, nomads, occupational status, pastoralists, social groups, Wollo,