The Definition and Types of Food Crisis as Seen from the Perspective of the Food System

Abstract

This study was aimed at defining and classifying food crises in a way suitable for the situation in Korea. This study also examined potential disaster situations that may well lead to food crisis and suggested ways to keep the food security system working well even in a possible disaster situation. Through literature review, we surveyed types of food crises that can occur at each stage of the food system (supply, distribution, consumption), and then we examined the types of food crises that can be relevant to the domestic situation. Based on the findings of this study, we defined food crisis in terms of food insecurity. Food crisis was classified into four types, including food supply crisis, food distribution crisis, food consumption crisis, and food safety crisis. In addition, this study presented potential food crises that may occur due to a future natural or social disaster. Food crises are prominently revealed in disasters or corresponding national crises. In order for the food security system, which has been gradually working towards the ‘zero food crisis’, to respond timely to a sudden crisis, it is necessary to actively prepare for the food crises as presented in this study.