In The World Food Problem, updated in every respect since its first edition in 1985, David Grigg provides a full account of who is hungry, where and why. The causes of hunger are manifold and complex: population growth, environmental degradation, poverty, inefficient farming, poor distribution, inappropriate aid, war, drought, famine, corruption, and incompetence are among them. The great strength and value of this outstanding book lie at once in the author's understanding of the nature and scope of the problem, and in his clear analysis of the factors operating in a wide range of instances. The search for simple solutions is not only pointless but, he shows only too vividly, their implementation is frequently damaging and counterproductive.