Promoting food security in the face of climate change

By Bernard Mphepo*

According to the United Nations’ Committee on World Food Security, food security is defined as meaning that all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life. Food insecurity means there is a shortage of food commodities, making the available food expensive to purchase. 

This means the prices will go up and will result in related items being more expensive. People’s access to food, care, feeding and access to healthcare may also become limited as a consequence, making the nation more insecure.  The higher the rate of food insecurity, the higher the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart diseases. The burden is, therefore, placed on the healthcare system.  Food security is detrimental to the health and development of people of all ages. 

Dietary deficiencies can impede children’s capacity to learn and adults’ ability to earn a living. The holidays can also add stress and financial obligations that stretch families’ resources.   Achieving food security is high on the agenda of the Malawi government. Notably, Malawi’s Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) recognizes that food security is a prerequisite for sustained economic…Read more of this in The Lamp magazine by simply subscribing online

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