Constraints to addressing food insecurity in protracted crises

Area of Science:

• Development Studies
• Humanitarian Aid
• Food Security

Background:

• Chronic food insecurity affects a significant global population.
• Traditional approaches (agricultural development, humanitarian aid) are insufficient for protracted crises.
• Protracted crises present unique challenges distinct from acute emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define protracted crises and their distinct characteristics.
• To identify constraints hindering sustainable livelihoods in these contexts.
• To propose and evaluate alternative strategies for addressing food insecurity in protracted crises.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of protracted crises.
• Exploration of constraints impacting sustainable livelihoods.
• Proposal and preliminary evaluation of an alternative engagement approach.

Main Results:

• Protracted crises necessitate a paradigm shift from traditional aid models.
• Specific constraints to sustainable livelihoods in these contexts were identified.
• An alternative approach with potential elements for sustainable livelihoods was outlined.

Conclusions:

• Existing strategies for food insecurity are inadequate for protracted crises.
• Further research is crucial to develop and evidence effective interventions.
• Addressing sustainable livelihoods requires context-specific, innovative approaches.