AGRI…CULTURE : FOOD SECURITY – A MAJOR CONCERN

FOOD SECURITY – A MAJOR CONCERN

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that over 100 countries include some reference to the right to food in their constitutions. However, the gap between intent and implementation remains too wide. It is therefore no surprise that over one billion persons still seek that right to food, and hence “Food Security” becoming a major concern. There is no straightforward, universally accepted definition of food security. Most versions suggest individuals having a secure access to sufficient and affordable nutritious food. The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.” The issues surrounding food security can be discussed on any scale, from a single household to the global population. Food Security is said to be built on three (3) pillars.

The first pillar is that of food availability which is linked to production and trade. It is here that farmers take the flak for not being able to meet the demands of the populace. Farmers are often accused of not fulfilling their roles as producers despite the many challenges. Will it be fair to say that the farmers will do better if they combine resources in areas such as Cooperatives? Or will farmers require greater support in terms of infrastructural development from the Authorities? Regardless of the answers, individuals will continue to complain when the basic foods are unavailable for any period of time. To compound the problem of unavailability, some foods not produced locally become unavailable because of issues of trade, transportation and other non-production reasons.

The second pillar which characterizes “Food Security” is that of food access. This factor which prevents someone from getting the food required even when it is readily available can be more subtle and not as obvious. Food becomes inaccessible when the individual cannot purchase it for one reason or another. Oftentimes it is because the food is too expensive or the individual does not have the money to buy –regardless of the cost.

Finally, the third pillar deals with the use of food or food use. Food consumed should be based on its nutritional status, thus supporting good/healthy eating habits. In addition, the importance of water and sanitary issues must be considered.

Food security is a Global problem and it is even more critical in small economies like ours. Are we satisfied that enough is being done locally to address the concerns of Food Security? Do we think such concerns are beyond us and too difficult to resolve? Generally, we must first accept Food Security as a national priority and recognize its significance to the health and wealth of our nation.

As a young Nation we need to focus on the following to address the problems of Food Security:
1.
Develop strategies and programs to maintain an adequate supply of food.

2.
Establish proper functioning markets.

3.
Ensure that households are able to obtain both home-produced food and cash income sufficient to cover all their basic needs.

National programs in addressing Food Security should address questions that relate to production, distribution and consumption of food in human society.

In conclusion, answers to matters of Food Security should show that all persons/everyone should have food at all times. Food should be available through normal food channels and not from emergency food or assistance programs. The quantity of food that is available should be enough for a healthy active life. Finally such foods must be safe and nutritious, culturally appropriate and produced in environmentally sustainable ways that promote strong communities.