Significance of Food insecurity
Food insecurity is a pressing global issue defined as the lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable and nutritious food. This condition significantly contributes to childhood malnutrition and adversely affects the health of mothers and infants. Factors like climate change, socio-economic status, and rising populations exacerbate food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable communities like the Orang Asli. Addressing this issue is critical, as it plays a vital role in improving nutritional status and preventing conditions such as stunting.
Synonyms: Hunger, Malnutrition, Food deprivation, Food scarcity, Dietary insufficiency, Nutritional deficiency, Famine, Food shortage
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The concept of Food insecurity in scientific sources
Food insecurity is defined as lacking consistent access to enough affordable and nutritious food. It is worsened by increasing populations and food demand, highlighting a significant challenge in ensuring everyone has adequate nourishment.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This condition describes a lack of consistent access to sufficient and nutritious food, often impacting nutritional status and contributing to conditions like stunting.[1] (2) This is one of the contributing factors of childhood malnutrition, alongside other factors like climate changes, maternal education, and socio-economic status, affecting the health of children.[2] (3) An urgent global problem characterized by insufficient access to nutritious food, exacerbated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.[3] (4) A critical issue within Orang Asli communities characterized by limited access to nutritious and sufficient food.[4] (5) Food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable and nutritious food, contributing to adverse health outcomes for mothers and infants.[5]