Non-state actors in Food Security

While government takes a leading role in putting up policies and legislation which create a conducive environment there are also other players, the non-state actors that play a very important role in promoting food security.

Players in Food Security Intervention

·               Private Sector as non-state actors

Private business entities such as agribusiness firms play a critical role in enhancing food security both vertically and horizontally. Vertically some firms are engaged in food production, processing and marketing. Horizontally some firms are suppliers of inputs through direct cash sales, out-grower schemes and purchasing of agricultural produce. The role of the private sector is therefore very critical in ensuring food production and supply to households. The challenge is to understand how the private sector operates and the prevailing constraints so that appropriate measures can be put in place to create an enabling environment for the effective participation of the private sector in promoting national and household food security.

·               Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

International and local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) participate in the implementation of both short term and long term interventions aimed at enhancing food security. The advantage that NGOs, as non state actors, have is that they do not operate for the profit motive. They also do not operate for political gain such that they may implement interventions not necessarily for the sake of seeking popularity but to address mutually identified problems. The NGOs also have the advantage of not being bureaucratic or practicing red tape as is the case with Government institutions. This makes NGOs to be suitable implementer of humanitarian interventions that address emergencies pertaining to food insecurity and other disasters.

·               International Cooperating Partners

There are many international organisations that participate in enhancing food security. These organisations include the UN agencies, donor agencies and multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), African Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union. These institutions provide financial resources, logistics and technical skills that help in enhancing food security at national and household levels. The challenge is to understand their policies, motives and principles so that appropriate collaborative actions can be implemented together with other actors and stakeholders involved in promoting food security.