Otherwise known as a charity or civil society group, these organisations often work towards increasing food security e.g. the Red cross or Oxfam

Food shortages caused by natural factors e.g. local difficulties in supply, perhaps the result of drought or floods (two extremes of water availability).

Food shortages caused by the political or economic framework in an area. Rising cost of food related to average income, are major factors in the availability of food. These are human/political factors leading to food insecurity.

The widespread, prolonged shortage of food that causes disease and death from starvation within a geographical area. Notable examples over recent decades have occurred in Somalia (2011-2012) and the Sahel (2012, 2005-2006).

Emergency assistance provided to countries facing famine. There are both positive and negative consequences of this type of response.

Crops that have been genetically engineered to be resistant to fungi, salt, cold, to be nutritionally better.

Lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things, or being unable to use the food that one does eat.