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by Tanya Boudreau — last modified 02/27/2008 11:56

Ensured access to sufficient food for all people at all times

It is widely recognized that, because of the vagaries of the weather and other annual variables, people do not have the same access to food from year to year; however, it is often forgotten that in most rural areas variations in access occur within the year as well, from season to season and even month by month. all times

These variations need to be understood and factored into an early warning system if it is to do two things: 1. determine when the effects of a hazard (and a subsequent food gap) will manifest; and 2. identify how long the gap will last. Integrating seasonal analysis into a wider livelihoods baseline is a central part of FEG Consulting's unique skill set.
Integrating Livelihoods

gathering firewood

What are livelihoods?

Livelihoods are the means by which households obtain and maintain access to essential resources to ensure their immediate and long-term survival. An analysis of livelihoods security, therefore, involves the investigation of how people ensure this access in different contexts and settings. Central to this enquiry amongst poor households is an understanding of food security, because - as a general rule - the poorer the household, the larger the proportion of its total income is spent on obtaining food.   

What is food security?

Many definitions of food security can be found throughout the humanitarian world. At a minimum, however, they all share the core concepts contained in the following definiton: Ensured access to sufficient food for all people at all times.

FEG Consulting makes this definition operational in the context of livelihood analysis through its use of the Household Economy Approach.

 
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