1. Reducing food waste and food loss

2. Improving infrastructure

3. Promoting fair trading practices

4. Paying attention to diversification

5. Reducing the yield gap

6. Combating climate change

7. Addressing the indirect causes of food insecurity

4 pillars of food security

Availability

Access

Utilisation

Stability

I think a key challenge relates to poverty and the lack of stable income/employment in many countries. This leads to people being unable to access/afford food. Hence in all countries, government, leaders and the business sectors need to work together to provide skills and employability to its citizens in order to curb food insecurity. The other challenge is political control over food resources. Hence it becomes more an issue of political dominance and control over the food resources. Corruption and misuse of funds can be seen as another key issue whereby the funds/money allocated towards food security is used for personal gain by role-players rather than for its intended purpose.

Lastly, and very important, the term ‘food security’ is often used loosely without considering the ‘nutritional’ aspect of the food per se. Hence whilst food can be provided but the question is whether it is nutritional enough and able to satisfy the nutritional requirements of the human body. Therefore, I believe that food security goes beyond just an economic phenomenon. It must be unpacked further at a holistic/philosophical level.

1. Agricultural subsidies can serve as a solution since the majority of farmers are rural dwellers and a large percentage of the population is poor

2. Programmes and projects that recorded remarkable achievements in the agricultural sector should be given adequate financial and political support

1. Increasing food production and Strengthening food systems

2. Reducing food waste

3. Supportive regulatory environment

4. Income diversification

5. Addressing gaps in knowledge and practices

6.