Food Security as a Contribution to Knowledge in Organizational Studies: The Venezuelan Public Sector

This research presents a reflective analysis regarding the relevance of food security within the Venezuelan public sector, specifically framed within organizational studies. The primary objective is to contribute to knowledge generation in social sciences by examining the intersection of organizational contexts and food security. The study explores the epistemological and ontological dimensions of the current social situation in Venezuela, highlighting the vulnerability of the food sector as a direct consequence of prevailing public policies and institutional transformations. Methodologically, the work is designed as a qualitative, documentary, critical, and hermeneutic review. It aims to encourage deeper academic inquiry into food security as a strategic pillar for global development and a matter of urgent human need. The analysis traces the institutional changes that have shaped the agri-food sector since the 1990s, noting how economic factors play a significant role in production and consumption. Furthermore, it addresses the impact of the 2015 oil price drop and subsequent hyperinflation, which reached 200% by 2023, severely restricting access to basic products. Data from the World Food Programme indicates that 24.4% of the population suffers from moderate food insecurity. By integrating perspectives from management and organizational theories, the study seeks to build a symbiosis between citizen participation and organizational entities. Ultimately, the research calls for the development of humane leadership styles and innovative organizational models for decision-making to address the ongoing socio-economic crisis.