The Challenges of Food Security in South Asia: Understanding it’s dynamics with Reference to Bangladesh

Abstract

This study focuses on the challenges of food security in South Asian region, particularly the challenges Bangladesh is facing, and how this region can possibly mitigate this challenge. Food security is a complex issue. The question of food security has a number of dimensions that go beyond production, availability and demand for food. It is generally understood as access to adequate food to all households at all times to enable them to lead a healthy and active life. The initial focus on food security as a global concern was on the volume and stability of food. Achieving food security in South Asia has become a major challenge. The food security scenario in South Asia has witnessed rapid progress over the last few decades, yet nutrition outcomes, especially those related to women and children, have failed to keep pace. In addition, the article has also identified a number of initiatives taken by the SAARC countries, and recommends some policies for the food security.