FOOD SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR GLOBAL POLICY INTEGRATION

This study addresses the critical issue of food insecurity, a growing concern intensified by factors such as climate change, economic instability, and trade policy limitations. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between national trade policies and their impact on food security, focusing on how policy adjustments could better support sustainable food systems in vulnerable regions. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis of global trade flows with qualitative case studies from three developing countries with high food insecurity rates. This approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of the direct and indirect impacts of trade regulations on food availability, accessibility, and utilization within these regions. Key findings reveal that restrictive trade policies exacerbate food scarcity by limiting market access and raising prices for essential food items, while more open trade policies tend to improve food availability but can expose local producers to increased competition. The study highlights the importance of balanced trade policies that support both food security and economic growth. The implications of these findings suggest that policymakers should consider hybrid trade frameworks that protect domestic agricultural markets while facilitating the flow of affordable food imports. By aligning trade policy with food security objectives, governments can create more resilient food systems that are better equipped to withstand economic and environmental shocks. This study contributes to the existing body of literature by offering evidence-based recommendations for integrating food security priorities into international trade agreements and national policy planning.