Achieving Food Security Through a Food Systems Lens

Abstract

Achieving food security for the global population of 8 billion will be a challenge without functional, equitable, and resilient food systems. This chapter examines the history of how food security has been framed and addressed in international development, and the importance of a food systems approach and mindset in tackling food security. While this new food systems framing is important in bringing together the myriad of actors and components that food touches upon, food security has become more complex in the modern, challenged world, and functional food systems do not necessarily equate to improved food security. As international goals and commitments are made, policymakers must consider how food systems engage with other systems, and the failures and successes that history has taught us in efforts to achieve food security for all.