II. Food systems and geopolitics

Chapter:

4. Thematic issues in armed conflict

Source:

SIPRI Yearbook 2024

Author(s):

Marina Caparini, Ian Davis, Caroline Delgado, Kyungmee Kim

Food systems can be understood as encompassing every person and process involved in producing, distributing, consuming and disposing of food, as well as the broader environmental, political, social and environmental settings that embed these activities. The level of food security is the principal outcome of a food system. ‘Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.’¹ When food systems become stressed, food security deteriorates. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life. The Integrated Food Insecurity Phase Classification (IPC) initiative categorizes food insecurity into five levels, ranging from ICP 1 (minimal/none) to ICP 5 (catastrophic/famine).² This section focuses on food insecurity as both a consequence and trigger of armed conflict.