FOOD SECURITY MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Food security is a multidisciplinary and multidimensional subject, rendering food security governance a complex issue. However, it is important for food security researchers, policy-makers, and other interested parties to realize the international food security framework. Understanding the dimensions of the food security framework facilitates planning and improves the national food security system. As achieving national food security requires collaboration and coordination among several domestic organizations, an efficient food security framework should be in place that highlights the roles of each contributing organization. Furthermore, governments should apply measures to ensure the suitability and adequacy of their state of food security. National food security should be regularly assessed using sound, accurate, and up-to-date food security indicators and internationally recognized food security assessment models to support the decision-making process. This review paper highlights the international food security framework to provide insight for national governments regarding the governance of food security. However, based on an extensive review of the international food security framework, this paper suggests five major dimensions thereof. These dimensions should be considered for any national food security system, as they are crucial to achieving national food security by improving food availability and affordability. These dimensions are a sustainable agriculture and food system, food trade, nutrition, food security knowledge and databases, and fighting poverty.