ABSTRACT
This chapter explores improved food security as a result of changes in consumption and nutritional status. These two elements are closely linked, and changing consumption is the only source of change in nutritional status. Data presented at the National Food Security Policy Seminar in July 1999, in Bishkek, provide insight into changes in consumption and changes in nutritional status. Under ideal circumstances of research, counting the daily calorie intake will be done for measuring food security. Observations on local markets and talks with citizens reveal that the current economic hardship causes them to reduce their consumption of meat and change to a diet pattern that includes more bread and other wheat-based foods. An important factor in matters of food security is the growth rate of the population. The description of the food security situation in the national food security strategy presented in July 1999 will be used.
