Abstract

Food security at the national level is now recognised to be dependent on a complex set of factors which interact and collectively influence the availability of food, its supply chains, its affordability and its utilisation. Threats to one or more of these factors may exert effects on other factors such that the overall food security situation is jeopardised. Countries therefore need to have the means to stay robust so that the disrupting effects of some factors may be ameliorated by others. Achieving a high level of food security robustness ensures more stable and sustainable food access for current and future populations.