✔ Food security has following dimensions ✔

✏☑ Availability of food: This means the food production within the country, food imports and previous years’ stock stored in government granaries.

✏☑ Accessibility of food: This means food should be within reach of every person.

✏☑ Affordability: This means that every individual has enough money to buy sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet one’s dietary needs.

Three Dimensions of Food Security

Food security refers to the availability, accessibility, and utilization of food that ensures individuals have adequate nutrition and a healthy life. It encompasses not only the quantity of food available but also its quality and the ability of individuals to access and utilize it. The three dimensions of food security are:

1. Availability:
Availability refers to the physical presence of food in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of the population. It involves assessing the overall food production, distribution, and supply chain. Factors that influence the availability of food include agricultural practices, climate change, natural disasters, and market dynamics.

- Agricultural Production: The ability to produce enough food to meet the demands of a growing population is crucial for food security. This involves factors such as land availability, water resources, technology, and infrastructure. Sustainable and efficient agricultural practices are essential to ensure consistent food availability.

- Distribution and Supply Chain: Even if food is produced in surplus, it must be efficiently distributed to ensure its availability to those in need. An effective supply chain involves transportation, storage, and market systems that connect producers with consumers. Adequate infrastructure and logistics are vital to prevent spoilage, minimize wastage, and ensure timely delivery.

2. Accessibility:
Accessibility refers to the economic and physical ability of individuals to obtain the available food. It involves factors such as income levels, market prices, transportation, and social and cultural factors.

- Income and Affordability: People need sufficient income to purchase food. Poverty and inequality can hinder accessibility, as individuals with lower incomes may struggle to afford an adequate diet. Additionally, fluctuations in food prices can impact accessibility, especially for vulnerable populations.

- Physical Access: Access to food is also influenced by geographical factors and transportation infrastructure. Remote areas or regions with poor road networks may face challenges in accessing food. Additionally, conflict or political instability can disrupt access to food, particularly in war-torn regions.

3. Utilization:
Utilization refers to the ability to utilize the available food in a way that meets nutritional needs and promotes good health. It encompasses factors such as dietary diversity, food safety, hygiene, and knowledge about nutrition.

- Dietary Diversity: Consuming a diverse range of foods is important to obtain essential nutrients. Lack of dietary diversity can lead to malnutrition and related health problems. Promoting a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is crucial for utilization.

- Food Safety and Hygiene: Food must be safe for consumption to ensure its utilization. Proper handling, storage, and preparation of food are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses. Access to clean water and sanitation facilities also contribute to food utilization.

- Nutrition Education: Knowledge about nutrition and healthy eating practices is vital for individuals to make informed choices about their diet. Nutrition education programs can help improve utilization by promoting awareness and behavior change towards healthier food choices.

In summary, the three dimensions of food security - availability, accessibility, and utilization - are interconnected and must be addressed comprehensively to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious, and safe food.