Politics Impacting Food Security

Asem Mustafa Awan
Islamabad: The situation in Pakistan, as well as in many other countries facing similar challenges, highlights the intricate relationship between political stability and food security.The convergence of economic, political, and social factors significantly impacts a nation’s ability to ensure an adequate food supply for its population.

In Pakistan specifically, the multifaceted crisis spanning economic, political, and administrative realms has taken a toll on various sectors, notably agriculture. This has resulted in a ripple effect on food availability, pricing, and ultimately, the well-being of the population. The warning from the Food and Agriculture Organization underscores the urgency for realigning governmental priorities to address these issues.

The inability of administrative units to function effectively, despite a democratic system, is a critical concern. Empowering these units and addressing developmental challenges are pivotal steps toward improving the country’s overall stability, especially concerning food security.

The impact of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and droughts further exacerbates the vulnerability of segments of society that already struggle on a day-to-day basis. These disasters amplify the challenges of maintaining food security, requiring a comprehensive approach that integrates disaster management into food security policies.

Additionally, issues such as lack of agricultural technology, misaligned government priorities, climate variability, management capacity, and economic factors like inflation contribute to the complexity of ensuring food security. Middlemen practices, transportation challenges, and inflationary effects add layers of difficulty, affecting the entire nation’s access to affordable and adequate food.

The failure to achieve the goals outlined in the National Food Security Policy of 2018 due to ongoing political turmoil highlights the need for stable governance and sustained commitment to these critical policies.

This issue extends far beyond Pakistan. Globally, hundreds of millions of people face chronic food shortages due to political threats, weak institutions, and socio-economic challenges. The linkage between political instability and food insecurity is evident in numerous countries across continents, where internal conflicts, corruption, social tensions, and poor governance exacerbate food-related issues.

The Arab Spring movements serve as a poignant example of how food insecurity can trigger social unrest and political upheaval. Rising food prices have fueled protests in various nations, emphasizing the importance of effective food security policies in maintaining social stability.

Recognizing this intricate relationship between political stability and food security is crucial. Leaders and policymakers must prioritize addressing these issues before they escalate further, understanding that stability in governance and proactive food security measures are interconnected for a nation’s prosperity and well-being.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

The article is the writer’s personal opinion.