Resilience and Food Security in a Food Systems Context

It assesses the contribution of the concept of resilience in advancing our understanding and ability to design and implement development interventions in relation to food security and humanitarian crises. It adopts a wider, more holistic perspective, framed around food systems, recognizing that the food and nutritional security of the world's population depends on the capacity of the entire system to produce, process, transport, and distribute safe, affordable, and nutritious food for all, in ways that remain environmentally sustainable.

Format: Hardback
Length: 413 pages
Publication date: 26 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

It is a compilation of chapters written by renowned experts from around the world, known for their in-depth and critical perspectives on issues related to resilience and food security. The book aims to assess the contribution of the concept of resilience in advancing our understanding and ability to design and implement development interventions in relation to food security and humanitarian crises.

To achieve this, the book takes a departure from the traditional approaches of agriculture and trade, which have dominated the mainstream debate on food security for nearly 60 years. Instead, it adopts a broader and more holistic perspective, framed around food systems. The foundation of this new approach lies in the recognition that the food and nutritional security of the world's population no longer depends solely on the performance of agriculture and trade policies. Rather, it requires the capacity of the entire food system to produce, process, transport, and distribute safe, affordable, and nutritious food for all, while also ensuring environmental sustainability.

In this context, adopting a food system perspective is crucial as it encourages a broader understanding of the complex processes and actors involved. It prompts us to challenge conventional thinking and acknowledge the systemic nature of the various processes and stakeholders involved in the food system. The book is written with a wide audience in mind, including academics, policymakers, students, and practitioners. It aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible resource for those interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with resilience and food security.

The book is organized into several chapters, each authored by a different expert in the field. The chapters cover a range of topics, including the definition and scope of resilience, the role of food systems in promoting resilience, the challenges and opportunities associated with food system transformation, and the role of governance and policy in fostering resilience.

Throughout the book, the authors draw on a wealth of research and evidence to support their arguments and provide insights into the complex dynamics of the food system. They also offer practical recommendations and strategies for promoting resilience and food security, including the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, the importance of local knowledge and participation, and the need to address the underlying social and economic inequalities that contribute to food insecurity.

In conclusion, this open access book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with resilience and food security. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the topic, drawing on the expertise of leading experts from around the world. By adopting a food system perspective, the book encourages us to think beyond traditional boundaries and explore new and innovative solutions to promote sustainable and equitable food systems for all.

Weight: 693g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031235344
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023