Combining Analytical Methods for Assessing Food Security across the Food Value Chain

Abstract

Food security (FS) is a function of food availability, accessibility, stability and utilization. Food value chains (FVCs) are part of the food system and are characterized by five main components: natural resources, food production, processing, markets and consumption. Many methods are available to assess single FVC components, but few cover a series of FVC components. This paper introduces an integrated research framework which combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies across a generic FVC. Furthermore, this approach provides mechanisms to identify the contribution to FS of each component in the FVC. The methodology uses an FVC as an analytical framework within which to assess FS in a systematic approach. Starting with a working scenario, each tool was evaluated according to its potential to assess FS indicators in different components, and then classified according to its temporal and spatial scales. The advantages, challenges and limitations of this conceptual approach are evaluated and discussed.

Urgently strategic insights to resolve the Nigerian food security crisis

“…Therefore, additional studies will be needed to validate and extend this study’s findings in Nigeria and potentially to other developing countries. Furthermore, Reif et al (2015) posited that multiple analytical methods ought to be used to investigate the food security crisis in order to present a true picture of the data and results.…”

Challenges of agri-food supply in city region food systems: an emerging economy perspective

“…Policy and governance, culture, gender and equity, climate and environment, political and economic context are other range of macro-factors and contexts which can influence food security (FAO, 2015). However, greater food security will be achieved through better coordination and integration of VC activities (Reif et al, 2015;G omez and Ricketts, 2013). Diskin (1994) shows positive correlations between food availability and access, food access and consumption, food consumption and nutritional status.…”

Analyzing food value chains for nutrition goals

“…Analytical tools already exist for examining the various dimensions of food value chains and work is underway to develop metrics and methods that provide a more holistic assessment by integrating different disciplines and models. [45][46][47] This remains an important area for future research.…”