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A Human Development and Capability Approach to Food Security: Conceptual Framework and Informational Basis

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Burchi

    (Roma Tre University, Via Valco di San Paolo)

  • Pasquale De Muro

    (Roma Tre University, Via Valco di San Paolo)

Abstract

This paper has a twofold objective: (a) to make a comprehensive review of different approaches to food security; (b) to develop a human development and capability approach to food security following the pioneering works of Amartya Sen and Jean DrÈze. To our best knowledge, no paper has yet provided a systematic survey of the major approaches to food security. Starting from the analysis of food production, we highlight the value added provided by the capability approach and the human development paradigm. Then, we propose a methodology of analysis of food security through this approach, entailing three basic steps: (1) analysis of food entitlements; (2) analysis of basic nutritional capabilities; (3) analysis of the capability to be food secure. This way, it is possible to move beyond income-, entitlement-, or livelihoods-related frameworks, and to identify the root causes of food insecurity: food insecurity can be the result of lack of education, health or other basic capabilities that constitute peopleís wellbeing. Therefore, it allows to situate the study within the broader topic of wellbeing, agency and freedom. Finally, we briefly discuss the role of food security for human development.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Burchi & Pasquale De Muro, "undated". "A Human Development and Capability Approach to Food Security: Conceptual Framework and Informational Basis," UNDP Africa Policy Notes 2012-009, United Nations Development Programme, Regional Bureau for Africa.
    • Handle: RePEc:rac:wpaper:2012-009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sassi, M., 2013. "Child Nutritional Status in the Malawian District of Salima: A Capability Approach," 2013 Second Congress, June 6-7, 2013, Parma, Italy 149892, Italian Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AIEAA).
    2. Feeney, Roberto & MacClay, Pablo, 2016. "Food Security in Argentina: A Production or Distribution Problem?," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 19(2), pages 1-32, May.
    3. Francesco Burchi & Pasquale De Muro, 2016. "Measuring Human Development in a High-Income Country: A Conceptual Framework for Well-Being Indicators," Forum for Social Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(2-3), pages 120-138, August.
    4. d'Agostino, Giorgio & Pieroni, Luca & Scarlato, Margherita, 2013. "Social Protection and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Evaluation of Cash Transfer Programmes," MPRA Paper 49536, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Food security; capability approach; entitlements; human development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy
    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development

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