Economics came to be called the dismal science because of Thomas Malthus who observed that population growth was several times faster than food production and would lead to starvation and wars.

Recently, Thailand and Vietnam –rice producing countries from which the Philippines (one of the countries in Southeast Asia with the highest population growth rate) imports most of its rice to augment deficits in its rice stocks– declared a cutback in its exports of rice to keep food at home.

Is Malthus being proven right?
Balance Sheet graphics by Ren Garcia / images from Microsoft Clipart

While Adam Smith introduced the invisible hand to economics, Thomas Malthus caused economics to be called the dismal science. Malthus observed that population was growing at a rate several times faster than food production, eventually leading to starvation and wars.
The World Grains Production Balance Sheet shows that there might be some truth in Malthus’ prediction:

Experts predict a food crisis in the near term. In developed economies, it is still just a more than usual increase in food prices. There are shortages in some countries. In others, there are food riots.

Can the balance be sustained?
Balance Sheet graphics …read more

The worldwide results are increases in wheat / corn / rice prices, shortages, hoarding,
food riots in some areas. The UN has reported a 35% in global average grain prices from last year, 65% from 2002.
Data from Philippine Daily Inquirer: “Tensions Rise as World Faces Food Crisis” (1 April) &
“Hungry Crowds Spell Trouble for World Leaders” (2 April)
graphics by Ren Garcia