Food security

Definition

The availability of food and individuals' access to it.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Food security policy and agricultural extension historically centered male farmers and household heads; women's roles in household nutrition, seed preservation, and informal food systems were systematically undervalued in development metrics and policy design.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'food security' but recognize it encompasses nutritional autonomy, household food access (often managed by women), and informal agricultural systems alongside formal production.

Inclusive Alternatives

["nutritional security","food access equity","household food autonomy"]

Empowerment Note

Women produce 50% of food globally and manage 80% of household nutrition in many regions; food security frameworks should credit women's knowledge of crop diversity, storage, and informal markets.

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