Dr. Moussavi’s lecture provided an in-depth analysis of famine conditions, humanitarian interventions, and the role of international aid in crisis mitigation. Having lived and conducted extensive research in Somalia, she offered students a firsthand perspective on the realities of food insecurity in conflict-affected regions. She emphasized the technical definition of famine, explaining that the term is often misused. Using the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) scale, she outlined the three essential criteria required for a famine declaration: critical malnutrition levels, severe food access limitations, and mortality rates directly linked to starvation.
Her insights sparked engaging discussions among students, particularly around the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid in politically volatile regions. Dr. Moussavi addressed the broader geopolitical factors affecting food security in Somalia, including the ongoing civil conflict and the influence of militant groups such as Al-Shabaab. Her expertise, drawn from field experience and policy leadership at the UN, provided students with a rare opportunity to analyze food crises from multiple perspectives—academic, operational, and diplomatic.
This visit underscores AUR’s dedication to providing Food Studies students with direct access to leading experts in international food security. By bridging classroom learning with real-world expertise, AUR ensures that its graduates emerge with both the knowledge and the professional connections necessary to contribute meaningfully to global food policy.