Transforming interpretations of food security

Abstract

The research shows the change in the concept of food security from the Malthusian approach to its modern interpretation, based on four aspects of food security - availability, access, use and stability. It is shown that the growing problems with all forms of food security in the world are due not only to the growing number of conflicts, extreme weather events and economic shocks, but also to the increasing spread of inequality, which reduces the chances of achieving food security in the long term. It is substantiated that the four-component approach to the interpretation of food security does not cover the entire range of aspects that are important for its provision. The concept of freedom of action for food security, or the concept of food sovereignty, which emphasizes the right of peoples to determine their own food systems to secure their own livelihoods and access to culturally acceptable food, is a necessary condition for food security. It is concluded that the inclusion in the concept of a wider number of aspects, including subjectivity, such as independence in decision-making regarding one’s own food security or food sovereignty and sustainability of food security in the long term will contribute to rethinking current strategies and practices in the field of food security.