Food security management Through Public Policy

Abstract

This paper emphasizes the role of public policy in addressing food insecurity. It begins with an elaboration of the food security concept. In this regard, the paper argues that the conceptual framework for food security should seek to ensure that food is available and accessible to each individual in sufficient quantities to guarantee nutritious diet and good health. In terms of food availability, the paper addresses three aspects, namely, food production, food trade/markets and food aid. In all of these, public policy is crucial to ensuring good performance.

In terms of access to food, the paper argues that there is need to develop appropriate policies and institutions that promote investment in productive assets, improves human capabilities and skills, expands commodity markets and trade opportunities for both agriculture and non agriculture commodities, and promotes social capital. These recommendations are based on the fact that the aspect of food accessibility takes food security issues further afield, with poverty and under-development being root causes of food insecurity. To this end, the paper argues that sectors other than agriculture should become prominent, thereby bringing to the fore issue such as employment generation, broad-based economic growth and sustainable development. In all of these good public policy is crucial.


(Af. J. Finance and Management: 2002 11 (1): 1-15)