ABSTRACT
What is food security? One of the most enduring definitions is also one of the most succinct: ‘Secure access by all people at all times to enough food for a healthy, active life’ (World Bank, 1986). Despite its brevity, this definition encapsulates several concepts. ‘Secure access’ recognises various sources of food, not just production; ‘all people’ extends to multiple levels, from global to national to household and individual; ‘all times’ recognises that food insecurity can be permanent (chronic), or temporary (acute, transitory or seasonal); ‘enough food’ does not mean only macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein, fat), but also micronutrients – ‘hidden hunger’ refers to a diet that is deficient in vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.
