Food security glossary

Famine A severe shortage of food affecting a large population for a long time period. It may be due to poor harvests following drought, floods, earthquake, war, social conflict, etc and is most likely in countries without the resources to take action to prevent it Food aid Provision of food where there is a major shortage resulting from war, drought, earthquake, war, opulation displacement etc Food security All people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy lifestyle Hunger A weakened condition brought about by prolonged lack of food which may produce malnutrition over time. In many poor countries there is seasonal hunger, usually in the months just before the coming harvest Integrated Pest Management(IPM) An ecological approach to managing pests that limits the use of pesticides to minimise risks to the environment and human health. Farmers are trained to observe and learn about the ecology of their fields and make and implement decisions that are safe, productive and sustainable Malnutrition Literally 'badly nourished', malnutrition is a general term that indicates a lack of some or all nutritional elements necessary for human health. It covers the complex interaction between the foods eaten, overall state of health, and the environment in which a person lives Nutrition The process by which the human body uses food. There needs to be sufficient proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and fats for growth, health and energy requirements Pest An organism that damages or interferes with crops, property or human health and wellbeing Sustainable agriculture Farming that is environmentally sound, financially and economically feasible, and socially acceptable