Food & Nutrition Security

Food security is commonly defined as the year-round adequate and balanced provision of food for the population. Over the past decades, the international community has made significant strides in eradicating hunger and starvation across various countries globally. Yet, challenges persist. Instances of food insecurity still occur, often precipitated by natural disasters such as droughts and floods, as well as political instability. Our mission is unwavering in these complex contexts: to tackle these challenges head-on and contribute to sustainable solutions that ensure consistent, reliable access to food for all communities. 

At GOPA AFC, we adhere to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)'s model of food security, which is founded on four pillars: food availability, access to food, food use, and stability. These pillars are enhanced by two additional elements recommended by the High-Level Panel of Experts in 2020: agency and sustainability. Our work revolves around these comprehensive principles, as we strive to develop and rehabilitate agricultural production systems to boost food security. 

Our ongoing AFAFI SUD project in Madagascar, funded by the EU and initiated in 2018, emphasizes rural development and food security. It aims to enhance the resilience of the rural population to climate change, particularly in the Southern and Southeastern regions. The project targets the agricultural sector, which is crucial for the country but remains unproductive, to boost food security, nutritional status, and sustainable agricultural development. We provide extensive technical assistance to ensure efficient programme management and facilitate "integrated" rural development approaches. 

Our ongoing project, "Knowledge for Nutrition (K4N): Advisory Services for 'Capacity for Nutrition' (C4N) – Lot 6: Nutrition Expert on National Information Systems, Networks & Platforms," fin Laos funded by GIZ and initiated in January 2020, aims to enhance maternal and child nutrition. The project, run in collaboration with GOPA Worldwide’s Health and Social Development department, provides support to various stakeholders, focusing on improving data quality and analysis for effective policy implementation, ultimately contributing to food and nutrition security. 

We acknowledge the evolution of the concept of food security to include not just calorie intake, but also balanced food consumption, emphasizing the role of proteins, micronutrients, and vitamins. Consequently, we advise both rural and urban populations on diversifying food production and consumption to combat malnutrition. Through our diverse projects and initiatives, we strive to enhance the resilience of communities, empowering them against adverse conditions and equipping them with the knowledge and tools to achieve sustainable and balanced diets. Our commitment to these principles guides our work at GOPA AFC as we continue to contribute to a more food-secure world.