Food Security Overview

• Food security refers to the availability and accessibility of food for all people at all times.
• It's a global issue with social, ecological and economic implications.
• Ensuring food security is a goal set by many organisations including the United Nations.

Four Pillars of Food Security

• Availability: This concerns the sufficient quantity of food available on a consistent basis.
• Access: This involves having sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet.
• Utilisation: This refers to how the body makes use of the food it absorbs.
• Stability: This relates to the ability to access food at all times and not risk losing access due to crises such as economic hardship or natural disasters.

Factors Affecting Food Security

• Climate change has significant effects on crop yields, potentially reducing availability of food.
• Economic disparity and poverty influence an individual’s ability to access healthy food options.
• Agricultural practices and technology impact the amount and types of food produced.
• Political instability can hinder food distribution, affecting food accessibility.
• Population growth can lead to increased demand for food, potentially straining resources.

Strategies to Improve Food Security

• Sustainable farming methods: Conservative water usage, crop rotation, and organic farming can enhance food availability.
• Improved agricultural technology: Using technology can increase food production efficiency, tackling food availability and stability issues.
• Reducing food waste: Proper food storage and consumption can improve food stability and availability.
• Education: Informing people about balanced diets and preparation of nutritious meals can help with food utilisation.
• Crisis preparation: Cultivating resilience to potential economic, political or environmental crises can enhance food stability.

Food Security and Health

• Food security directly influences nutritional status and health.
• Malnutrition, both undernutrition and overnutrition, is a common health issue associated with food insecurity.
• Food secure individuals are likely to have healthier diets, reducing the risk of obesity and diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Policy and Food Security

• Governments can implement policies to enhance food security. These might involve regulating food production, distribution and pricing.
• Local and international organisations also play a key role in monitoring and improving food security.
• Food policies should also incorporate sustainability considerations to ensure long-term food security.

Food Security and Sustainability

• Sustainable food systems are vital for achieving food security.
• Sustainability implies using resources in a way that maintains their availability for future generations.
• Sustainable diets, those with low environmental impacts that contribute to food and nutrition security, are a significant aspect of sustainable food systems.
• On a global level, sustainable food systems can help mitigate climate change effects, contributing to long-term food security.