The agricultural sector remains the largest employment sector in most developing nations and has significant implications for the health and wellbeing of its people. Food security has complex links to economic development, environment, trade and health. Food security is the term used to describe the condition in which “all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life”. It is typically referred to as being built on the following three pillars:

• Food availability: sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis.
• Food access: having sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet.
• Food use: appropriate use based on knowledge of basic nutrition and care, as well as adequate water and sanitation.

ADRA Canada works to improve sustainable food production through project activities that:

• Improve sustainable agricultural productivity and consumption
• Improve resource, land and livestock management
• Access non-timber forest products
• Diversify agriculture livelihoods
• Introduce organic and permaculture approaches
• Improve food production and market access
• Improve access to nutrition, health care and sanitation
• Promote health behavioural change.

Millions of people live hand-to-mouth, never sure if they will get their next meal. Often, people only need a few simple resources–like quality seeds, appropriate tools, and water–to become self-sufficient. In cooperation with community members, ADRA’s food projects seek solutions to food scarcity, malnutrition, poverty, and hunger.