FOOD SECURITY :THE ROAD MAP.

What is food security? In lay terms,it refers to accessibility, availability ,affordability of nutritious food in quantities required ,when needed. The issue of food security is a global challenge with different countries facing different constraints.


The African countries are worst-hit "with 30% of the population severely and chronically undernourished"(Maputo declaration,July 2003).There is a need for Africa to utilize its full potential in agriculture by increasing food production through investment in livestock,aquaculture,crop farming and forestry.

   The Agricultural sector can be a major driver of economic growth,if all necessary support is provided for the growth and development.The support will include policies that are favorable,funding and education to encourage investors and urban farmers to increase and expand agricultural investments.



 According to the Rome declaration on World food security(1996) states that "food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Food security covers availability, access, utilization and stability issues."

 The issue of food security can be addressed under the following subheads;
a) producers.

 b) processors

c) financial institutions

d) experts on farming/livestock

e) insurance

 f) transportation

g) investors.

 Food security is basically about achieving reliable access to adequate, affordable and nutritious food supplies sufficient to avoid hunger and stunted development.It is a known fact that any family that spends 60% of income on food is insecure.

The challenge now is to pull all resources to ensure that food production is increased,that food wastage/food loss is avoided by providing better means of storage and preservation and the provision of financial back-bone to farmers to encourage more production.

 Agricultural business is a major goldmine that if properly harnessed will achieve the zero hunger goal .The areas of agribusiness to focus on are the tested ,proven and revenue generating sectors with high demand of the products and by-products such as poultry, dairy/beef production, vegetable farming,rice farming,piggery and sheep and goat rearing.

These sectors have products that are in high demand and also contribute to the nutritive tables as they are sources of protein,vitamins /minerals and energy thus meeting the recommended daily allowances ,when incorporated in the diet.

The inclusion of an egg/day/child will provide the protein required for growth and development. The intervention of investors will expand the sector,as more people will be encouraged to start off.

  The possibilities in poultry industry that  can generate profit.
Read