Famine killed over 70 million people in the 20th century – a bald statistic that reflects inexcusable failure in predicting and preventing famines. Yet, the capacity to abolish famine in terms of food production and distribution exists. An Institute of Development Studies working paper catalogues the human cost of famine over the last century and asks: why do famines still occur? The study suggests that to rid the planet of famine this century technical capacity such as food production and distribution is essential, but equally crucial is more political will – both nationally and internationally – than has hitherto been the case.