Vulnerability to food insecurity

Millions of people in Africa are vulnerable to food insecurity, even in good years. Many households are unable to meet their basic food needs, and their vulnerability is increased by volatile food prices especially of staples such as maize. Vulnerability, poverty and food insecurity, although they may be used interchangeably in the short-run, they are different concepts in the long run. Poverty and food insecurity usually describe livelihood status at a particular point in time, whereas vulnerability is forward looking. Over the long-term, people move in and out of food insecurity and poverty. Vulnerability therefore refers to the probability of slipping into food insecurity or remaining food insecure. It refers to the inability to cope with uncertain shocks, stresses and threats such as prolonged droughts, floods, pest and disease outbreaks, market failure, and civil strife, all of which are prevalent in many parts of Africa. Because vulnerability is closely linked to uncertainties, everyone is vulnerable; however some more than others. The challenge therefore is to identify the vulnerable, build and sustain their resilience, and reduce the risks of falling back into poverty and food insecurity for those who have moved out.

Vulnerability is determined by a cumulative chain of events through time. What happened in the past is reflected in the present status, and what happens in the present influences the future status (LØvendal and Knowles, 2007). This makes measurement of vulnerability to food security difficult. However, understanding the present conditions is vital in determining the threats to food security and how they can be effectively managed. Vulnerability, though difficult to measure, is closely related to the food security status, asset portfolio, livelihood activities, and the context surrounding the people. A common thread running through all these in relation to vulnerability is the need for steady inflow of money to build or maintain a sustainable level of resilience. In the past, vulnerability to food insecurity was largely translated to the need for emergency food aid. However, food is not the only answer. Essentially vulnerability occurs when people lack income and access to resources. The vulnerable must be with income and other means to prevent asset depletion, establish sustainable livelihoods, and access infrastructure, thereby building resilience to uncertain shocks and stresses.