Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

This member contributed to:

    • Thank you for this very comprehensive and relevant review on food security and nutrition.

      In the name of our HFST (Humanitarian Food Science and Technology) international working group, I have two comments:

      • Humanitarian issues are not directly mentioned in this review. Yet, because of the many recurring humanitarian crises that strike and will strike the world, they do seem to be a major cause of the many disorders that affect food security in many places and one of the key drivers to tackle them when considered through the humanitarian, development and peace nexus.
      • Food Science and Technology (FST) is also not mentioned, even though it may appear as one of the most promising and powerful levers for addressing food insecurity; for example, by controlling food safety, improving the nutritional value and convenience of food, optimizing local resources, providing revenues to low-income families and women through generation of employment opportunities, eased access to the market, etc.

      While the role of some food companies has often been blamed for increasing food inequalities due to strategies that seek immediate profit for some rather than sustainable wealth for the majority, this trend could be reversed by raising awareness among stakeholders, including through innovative educational programs and promotion of the specific role FST may play at the various levels of the value food chain, a role that has been poorly understood and emphasized until now.

      More information in our paper “The Role of Food Science and Technology in Humanitarian Response: A Review“, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2020.06.006; other HFST publications: https://www.aifst.asn.au/Humanitarian-Food-Science-and-Technology

      Best regards and season greetings

      Dominique Bounie