Food Security

Definition of Food Security

Food security is the condition in which all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life. It encompasses not only the availability of food but also its accessibility, utilization, and stability over time.

Food security is influenced by factors such as agricultural productivity, supply chains, climate variability, economic stability, and social policies, making it a multi-dimensional concept that connects agriculture, health, and development.

Why Food Security Matters

Food security matters because it is fundamental to human well-being, societal stability, and sustainable development. Key impacts include:

• Health and nutrition – Ensuring adequate food prevents malnutrition and supports growth and immunity

• Economic stability – Secure food systems underpin livelihoods, employment, and trade

• Social cohesion – Reduces vulnerability to conflict and social unrest linked to hunger

• Resilience to shocks – Strengthens communities against climate extremes, pests, and supply disruptions

• Sustainable development – Supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2: Zero Hunger

Without food security, populations are more vulnerable to poverty, disease, and environmental stress, making it a priority for governments, NGOs, and international organisations.

Key Dimensions of Food Security

• Availability – Sufficient quantities of food produced or imported

• Access – Economic and physical means to obtain food

• Utilization – Safe and nutritious food that supports health

• Stability – Consistent access and availability over time despite shocks

• Sustainability – Long-term production without depleting resources or harming ecosystems

Related Terms

• Nutrition

• Food Systems

• Agricultural Sustainability

• Climate Resilience

• Food Safety

• Rural Livelihoods

Useful Resources on Food Security

Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about food security, sustainable agriculture, and resilient food systems:

• FAO – Food Security and Nutrition – Global guidance and statistics on food availability, access, and utilization.

• World Food Programme (WFP) – Data, programs, and case studies addressing hunger and food insecurity worldwide.

• UNICEF – Nutrition and Food Security – Focus on children, vulnerable populations, and health outcomes.

• Our World in Data – Food Security – Data-driven analysis of hunger, malnutrition, and food availability trends.

• IFPRI – Food Security Research – Policy analysis and research on global and regional food systems.

• CABI – Food Security Resources – Technical research linking agriculture, pests, and nutrition.

• European Commission – Food Security Policy – EU-level strategies for sustainable and resilient food systems.

• DEFRA – UK Food Security Guidance – National policies, reports, and risk assessments.

• World Bank – Food Security and Agricultural Development – Economic perspectives on global and regional food security.

• The Economist - The Global Food Security Index (GFSI) - is an annual assessment measuring food security through affordability, availability, quality and safety, etc.