A world that achieves food security is a world where all people, no matter the time or circumstances, have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that not only suits their preferences, but also satisfies any dietary requirements. In 2012, the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) developed the Global Food Security Index, which was created as a measurement tool for food security levels across 113 countries worldwide.
The Global Food Security Index (when used with other measurement tools) has helped organisations and governments around the world understand trends, as well as identify countries of risk, countries experiencing certain levels of hunger and even countries that are experiencing a hunger crisis.
How Does the Global Food Security Index Work?
The Global Food Security Index measures food security in 113 countries through the following pillars:
- Affordability
- Availability
- Quality and Safety
- Natural Resources and Resilience
The index is managed and updated on an annual basis, with each country given a rank from one to 113. In 2021, Ireland ranked first for food security, with Austria in second and the United Kingdom in third. However, countries such as Madagascar, Sudan, Ethiopia, Laos and Syria ranked at the other end of the index, identifying issues with food security.
Each of the four pillars are made up of indicators that help to rank each country when it comes to food security. This helps inform where one country sits in relation to the other 112.
Indicators of Affordability
Some of the indicators that help to inform affordability in the countries assessed as part of the Global Food Security Index include:
- The change in average food costs.
- Agricultural import tariffs.
- Presence, funding, coverage and operation of food safety net programs.
- Market access and agricultural financial services.
The indicators of affordability can also help to estimate the number of people in any given country that are living below the poverty line and more.
Indicators of Availability
Some of the indicators that help to inform availability in the countries assessed as part of the Global Food Security Index include:
- Sufficiency of supply.
- Agricultural research and development.
- Agricultural infrastructure.
- Political and social barriers to food access.
The indicators of availability can also help to assess political stability, the amount of corruption that may be prevalent within any given country and more.
Indicators of Quality and Safety
Some of the indicators that help to inform quality and safety in the countries assessed as part of the Global Food Security Index include:
- Dietary diversity.
- Nutritional standards.
- Micronutrient availability.
- Protein quality.
The indicators of quality and safety also work to assess the overall safety of food, the percentage of a population in any given country that have access to clean water that is safe to drink and more.
Indicators of Natural Resources and Resilience
Some of the indicators that help to inform natural resources and resilience in the countries assessed as part of the Global Food Security Index include:
- Exposure to elements like higher temperatures, droughts, flooding and rising sea levels.
- Agricultural water risk.
- Land degradation.
- Marine biodiversity.
The indicators of natural resources and resilience also help to assess dependency on food importation, the political commitment to adaptation and more.
Why the Global Food Security Index Matters
The Global Food Security Index is not the be-all and end-all of assessing levels of food security in countries around the globe. However, when it is used in tandem with other measurement tools (such as the Global Hunger Index), it becomes an extremely useful tool in assessing contributing factors and specific aspects related to food security and hunger.
When governments, not-for-profits and other organisations are able to understand the situation in their own country or others around the world, there is an opportunity to identify exactly where and what help may be needed, and even try to prevent issues in the future based on trending scores.
How the Global Food Security Index Encourages Action
The Global Food Security Index update for 2021 alerted the world of chronic undernourishment and acute food insecurity in a number of countries. With food security decreasing at a rapid rate in a number of countries, particularly within the Horn of Africa, it is clear to see that a severe hunger crisis has unfolded.
There are a range of charitable organisations taking action to make a difference in countries experiencing acute food insecurity.
CBM Australia
CBM Australia, an organisation that is focused on international disability development, is one charity that is tackling the cycle of poverty and disability. With relevance to the hunger crisis, CBM Australia are working to help ensure the most vulnerable, including those with disabilities, have access to life-saving supplies in Madagascar during a period of deadly famine and hunger.
ActionAid Australia
With an emphasis on representing the global movement of women claiming their human rights and campaigning against injustice, ActionAid Australia is working to provide water, food, safe shelter and support to women who are in dire need across the Horn of Africa.
ADRA Australia
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency, or ADRA Australia, works with communities around the world to help lift themselves out of poverty and create a brighter future. ADRA Australia is working to help children and families navigate the hunger crisis in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan through school feeding programs and relief efforts.
Help Us Take Action Where it’s Needed Most
CBM Australia, ActionAid Australia and ADRA Australia, along with 12 other charities, are member organisations with the Emergency Action Alliance. This allows us to raise funds that are then allocated based on where they are needed most. This means our member organisations can focus on getting the work done while we take care of ensuring they have the funds to continue their meaningful initiatives.
For more information, feel free to give us a call on 1300 939 000 or contact us online. Alternatively, if you’re ready to help us take action, you can donate to our member organisations: Hunger Crisis Appeal online.
Find out more how you can make a difference here:
