ABSTRACT
While numerous studies have investigated the relationship between health and security, few have questioned how NGOs understand this linkage. Securitization is a subjective, contentious act. Political actors choose to elevate an issue to the security realm in order to benefit their interests. In doing so, they identify securitizing agents, referent objects, existential threats, and emergency measures to counter threats. The goals of development NGOs – to alleviate poverty, combat injustice, improve the quality of life for the poor, provide health care to all people, and realize human rights – are to mitigate threats to human security. The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as the condition “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life”. On their websites, international NGOs such as the Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa, Africare, the Carter Center, and World Vision mention food security as a programmatic focus.
