Why should the government pursue a policy on food security instead of food self-sufficiency?

Poverty is the root cause of hunger and food insecurity, so increasing people’s income is indispensable in improving their access to food. Ensuring national food security should thus be undertaken in the context of improving the income and livelihoods of the people especially those in the rural areas.

What is the difference between food self-sufficiency and food security?

Food security is defined as “the access for all people at all times to enough food for a health, active life” (FAO, 1996). In contrast, food self-sufficiency is defined as being able to meet consumption needs (particularly for staple food crops) from own production rather than by buying or importing.

Why is it important to be self-sufficient in food production?

Countries in this situation may produce more than enough of some food crops, but too little of others that are required for a healthy diet. High levels of poverty in some self-sufficient countries may hinder food access for certain segments of the population.

Why should a country promote food self-sufficiency?

Countries may also prioritize food self-sufficiency as a means to bolster their farm sectors and support overall economic growth and development, as well as to bolster economic activity and incomes in rural areas.

Why is food security so important?

when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Food security has four interrelated elements: availability, access, utilisation and stability.

What is the importance of food security in social stability and health?

It helps to enhance the productivity and consecutively the production of food. It can assist in providing opportunities for income generation. And, it generally provides improvement of nutritional advice through home economics programmes and enhances the quality of rural life by way of community development.

Why is food security important?

Why is food insecurity?

It may be influenced by a number of factors including income, employment, race/ethnicity, and disability. The risk for food insecurity increases when money to buy food is limited or not available. High unemployment rates among low-income populations make it more difficult to meet basic household food needs.

What are two advantages of a country being self sufficient?

Economic Advantages: A self sufficient home can produce the bulk of its energy, food supplies, and other necessities far less expensively than purchasing materials and resources while paying for the labor of others.

What is the importance of food security in politics and governance?

Food Security’s Impact on Governance 21, 22 Removing socio-political obstacles and enhancing food security improves the government’s responsiveness to its citizens — which increases the government’s legitimacy and stability10— and strengthens the social contract between local stakeholders and their government.

Why is food security and sustainability important?

Sustainable agriculture and food systems such as organic agriculture and agro-ecology improve food security, eradicate hunger and are economically viable, while conserving land, water, plant and animal genetic resources, biodiversity and ecosystems and enhancing resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

What is the government doing about food insecurity?

The government aids families experiencing food insecurity through programs ranging from breakfast and lunch for schoolchildren to nutrition programs for women, children, and infants. The largest program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.