Social issues in the context of food security in Kazakhstan

Food security is a crucial aspect of social stability in Kazakhstan. In this context, social problems include rising food prices, dependency on imports, and the impact of economic and climatic factors that increase food costs and reduce accessibility for low-income population groups. The goal is to identify social barriers to food self-sufficiency in the country, outline their causes, and propose effective solutions aimed at improving the availability and quality of essential food products. Methods – analytical, economic-statistical, and comparative methods were used to study the current state of food provision. The research draws on the works of domestic and international scholars, materials from the FAO and OECD, and expert interviews. Special attention was paid to the influence of socio-economic indicators and the effectiveness of government programs. Results – the study highlights several challenges undermining agro-food security: low household incomes, price volatility, and environmental risks. It also examines measures contributing to the intensive development of the agro-industrial complex and the stabilization of the national food market under current global economic conditions: modernization of the agricultural sector, increased social support, price regulation, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Conclusions – the author concludes that a comprehensive approach is needed to analyze the current state and threats to economic independence, which is not feasible without robust social and investment policies, protection of domestic agricultural producers, full realization of the potential of all forms of agribusiness, and improvement of the tax incentives system. These efforts will ensure domestic food needs are met and enable the agricultural sector to become a leading exporter of raw materials and consumer goods. It is essential to improve models that enhance the potential of rural areas as socio-ecological-economic systems, capable of mitigating negative impacts on food security.