The Evolution of Food Security
For decades, the concept of food security was defined by four pillars: availability, access, utilization, and stability. This framework focused primarily on whether there was enough food to go around, if people could obtain it, if their bodies could use it, and if this was consistent over time. However, in recognition of widening inequalities and the intricate connections between food systems and ecological systems, the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) recommended adding two new dimensions: agency and sustainability. This shift, formally proposed in a 2020 report, created the modern six-pillar framework, which is crucial for building more equitable and resilient food systems.
The Six Pillars of Food Security Explained
Each of the six pillars represents a fundamental aspect of a truly secure food system. Addressing them holistically is essential for tackling hunger and malnutrition on a global scale.
Availability
Food availability is the "supply side" of food security and refers to the physical presence of sufficient food in a country or area. This is determined by a variety of factors:
- Production: Domestic agricultural output, including crops, livestock, and fisheries. This is affected by climate, land use, and technology.
- Stocks: National and local food storage reserves.
- Imports and Trade: The ability of a country to import food from international markets.
- Distribution: The infrastructure and systems for getting food from producers to consumers.
Access
Even with sufficient food available, people must have the resources and means to obtain it. Food access includes economic and physical dimensions. Economic access is determined by factors like income, food prices, and purchasing power. Physical access relates to proximity to markets, transportation infrastructure, and the ability to get food in a socially acceptable way. For the most vulnerable, especially those with limited income, access to food can be a far greater barrier than availability.
Utilization
This pillar focuses on what happens after food is acquired. Utilization is the way a person's body makes the most of the nutrients in food. It is affected by several factors:
- Diet Diversity: Ensuring a mix of different foods to provide all necessary nutrients.
- Food Safety: The sanitation, handling, and preparation of food to prevent illness.
- Health and Sanitation: Access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation facilities, which are critical for absorbing nutrients and staying healthy.
- Feeding Practices: Knowledge of proper nutrition and how to prepare food effectively.
Stability
Stability refers to the consistency of the other three dimensions—availability, access, and utilization—over time. A person or household is food insecure if they face a risk of losing access to food periodically. Instability can be caused by sudden shocks or seasonal changes, such as:
- Economic downturns or market fluctuations.
- Natural disasters like droughts or floods.
- Political instability or conflict.
- The seasonal nature of agricultural production.
Agency
Agency represents the power of individuals and groups to influence and participate in the decisions that shape their food systems. This pillar moves beyond viewing people as passive recipients of food aid and empowers them as active citizens who can shape their own food futures. It includes the capacity to make decisions about what food is eaten, how it is produced, and how food policies are governed. Agency is central to addressing historical inequities and power imbalances within food systems.
Sustainability
Sustainability focuses on the long-term ability of a food system to provide food security for present and future generations without compromising the economic, social, and environmental bases. This pillar emphasizes the importance of agroecological practices that protect natural resources and mitigate climate change. It is a forward-looking dimension that ensures food production does not deplete the very resources needed for future food security.
Comparison of the Four-Pillar and Six-Pillar Frameworks
| Feature | Four-Pillar Framework | Six-Pillar Framework (Modern) |
|---|---|---|
| Pillars Included | Availability, Access, Utilization, Stability | Availability, Access, Utilization, Stability, Agency, Sustainability |
| Primary Focus | Addresses immediate and cyclical causes of hunger. | Considers long-term, systemic causes and drivers of food insecurity. |
| Approach | Often top-down, focused on production and distribution solutions. | Incorporates a bottom-up, human-centric approach empowering local actors. |
| Time Horizon | Primarily concerned with short- to medium-term stability and shocks. | Explicitly addresses the needs of future generations and long-term ecological health. |
| Role of Individual | Consumer of food. | Active participant and decision-maker in the food system. |
| Key Contexts | Market fluctuations, climate variability, conflict. | Climate change, social inequality, power imbalances, ecological crises. |
Global Efforts to Strengthen the Pillars
International organizations like the FAO and World Bank are actively working to address global food insecurity by targeting these six pillars. Climate-smart agriculture is a key strategy to increase the stability of food availability by improving resilience against climate shocks. Similarly, social safety nets and cash transfer programs are used to strengthen economic access for vulnerable households. To improve utilization, there is a push for stronger food safety standards, better access to healthcare, and nutrition education. Building agency involves empowering marginalized communities, including women and smallholder farmers, to participate in decision-making. Finally, promoting sustainable practices, such as reducing food waste and improving soil health, is crucial for securing the food supply for future generations. As highlighted by the World Bank, these efforts, which also include supporting research and strengthening infrastructure, are vital for a resilient food system.
Conclusion
Food security is far more than just having enough to eat. The modern six-pillar framework provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of what is required to ensure all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. By acknowledging the vital roles of agency and sustainability alongside availability, access, utilization, and stability, global policy can be better directed toward creating truly resilient and equitable food systems for today and for the future. As recent reports from organizations such as the World Food Programme underscore, the need for a multifaceted approach has never been more urgent.
The Role of Agency and Sustainability
For a deeper dive into the importance of agency and sustainability, the FAO has published insights explaining why these dimensions matter for the future of food systems and equitable development. Read more in their article, "Ensuring food security: why agency and sustainability matter".
