Exploring Women's Agency in Addressing Food Insecurity During Disasters
Author: Saran Prakash, saranprakashd@gmail.com
Department: Jamsetji Tata School of Disaster Studies
University: Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Supervisor: Prof. Janki Andharia
Year of completion: 2025
Language of dissertation: English
Keywords:
Women
, Food Insecurity
, Disasters
, Agency
Areas of Research:
Disasters
, Environment and Society
, Women in Society
Abstract
In a world where over 345 million people face high levels of food insecurity, and global hunger continues to be a pressing issue, this study seeks to shed light on the pivotal role of women's agency in addressing food insecurity during times of disasters. Literature suggests that food insecurity, far from solely resulting from insufficient food production, also arises from systemic issues within the food distribution and access systems. The proposed research aims to delve into how women, navigate these systemic challenges during disasters to ensure food security for their households and communities. Recognizing that food insecurity is a complex issue influenced by a web of factors, the study acknowledges the disproportionately adverse impact on marginalized groups, particularly women, ethnic minorities, and impoverished populations.
It interrogates the traditional narratives of victimhood and seeks to explore women as agentic actors who navigate and shape the intricate web of factors affecting food security and community resilience.
Employing a qualitative research design, with ethnography as the primary method, the study aims to uncover the lived experiences of women. It draws upon a multifaceted theoretical framework comprising feminist theory, resilience theory, intersectionality theory, political ecology theory, and the change points approach.
In essence, this study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of women's agency in fortifying food security, especially in the context of disasters. Such an exploration hopes to make a theoretical contribution to the domain of women and disasters within disaster discourse and will also help offer practical insights for policy-making and interventions, ultimately contributing to ensuring food security during disasters.
