Essay On Food Security In Jamaica

What are the problematic conditions?

Access

The problematic condition in this area of examination is the lack of economic and physical access to food by most Jamaican household under normal circumstance. Household food security exists when all members, at all times, have access to adequate food that meets the dietary needs of all members of the household. Although food is available in the local markets persons especially the vulnerable are unable to purchase the basic food item. Due to the current economic crisis Jamaicans are experiencing some form of loss of income or income generation opportunities or employment are therefore lack the purchasing power needed to access healthy affordable food This lack of access to food can result in hunger (food deprivation), malnutrition (deficiencies, imbalances, or excesses of nutrients), and famine. Hunger has a negative impact on a person’s wellbeing as it reduces natural defences against diseases, which is the main risk factor for illness worldwide. In addition high food price is of utmost concern to

On the other hand . The agriculture sector disagrees with the government that they are doing enough to protect the Jamaican borders from imports and with the trade associations and consumers that stronger laws and regulations are needed. The private sector and government are in agreement with World Trade Organization rules that encourage opening up of Jamaica’s border to imports from other countries that will stimulate competition in the local market. Agricultural sector disagrees and feel that the cheap imports are virtually crippling the island’s sector . Importers disagree with government using import tariffs to protect domestic food production. They argue that though it may narrow the gap between production and demand—the vulnerable might not be able to afford to purchase the domestic produced