Hunger and Food Insecurity

B.
Systems & Processes
ii. Hunger and food insecurity

Definition of food security?
Food security is the measure of an

individual’s ability to access food that
is nutritious and sufficient in quantity.
Some definitions of food security

specify that food must also meet an
individual’s food preferences and
dietary needs for active and healthy
lifestyles.
What are the different levels
of food security?
Availability - Availability simply refers to the

existence of food within a community. This is
closely linked to the efficacy of food production.
Access - Simply having enough food in a

community means very little if there is poor
access to it. True food security means that
individuals have the resources they need to
obtain a sufficient quality of nutritious food.
Utilisation - To be food secure, it is crucial
that the food being accessed is of a good
quality. It is paramount that food is
nutritious and healthy enough to provide
the energy people need for their daily
activities.
Stability - Good food stability means that

access, availability and utilisation of food
remains relatively stable over time.. Threats
to food stability include natural disasters,
climate change, conflict and economic
factors such as volatile price fluctuations.
What are the major causes of food insecurity?
Conflict: Conflict stands out as the single biggest factor driving global hunger today. Over 60%
of those who are food insecure are living in conflict zones. Conflict forces people to flee from
their homes, often leaving behind their only means to a livelihood. Conflict also divides
communities and can cause farmers to abandon any long-term agricultural strategies for fear
that they will never reap the benefits if they are forced to flee.
Climate change: After years of stagnation, the number of hungry people in the world rose
between 2015 and 2018 by nearly 40 million people, with the greatest rise coming in drought-
affected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. An increase in the frequency and severity of natural
disasters has devastated some regions, destroying crop yields and limiting the quantity and
quality of food available to communities.
Population Growth: According to the UN, the global population will be nearly 10 billion people
by 2050. As the population continues to grow, it is necessary that food production and food
accessibility grow to match it. Unfortunately, we have already seen in countries that have
experienced population booms that resources needed for food production (water supply,
croplands) can become scarce when divided, causing food insecurity.
What happens when there is food insecurity?
Malnutrition: Malnutrition can be a devastating reality for those who are food
insecure. This is not only because of the associated suffering but also because it can
lead to those affected becoming increasingly food insecure.
Stunting: When a child does not receive the proper nutrition, particularly during
their first 1,000 days from conception to their second birthday, they will likely suffer
stunting. This means they will not mentally or physically develop to where they
otherwise would, irreversibly damaging their well-being and future prospects.
Mental Health Issues: A recent study on food insecurity in Ethiopia found that those
facing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from both depression and anxiety.
Lesson 3: Solutions for Food Security
Engage: Share success stories of programs or initiatives that have improved food
security in certain regions.
Explore: In small groups, provide students with sticky notes and have them brainstorm
potential solutions to address hunger and improve food security. Encourage creativity
and consider solutions at different levels (local, national, global).
Elaborate: Each group presents their solutions, and the class discusses the feasibility
and potential impact of these ideas.
Reflect: Discuss the role of individuals and societies in addressing food security and
how understanding systems and processes is crucial for implementing effective
solutions.

Hunger and Food Insecurity

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Hunger and Food Insecurity

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Hunger and Food Insecurity

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

B.

Systems & Processes

ii. Hunger and food insecurity

Food security is the measure of an

Some definitions of food security

Availability - Availability simply refers to the

Access - Simply having enough food in a

Stability - Good food stability means that

You might also like