Natural resource abundance and food insecurity - An interrelationship? The Venezuelan case study

Abstract

University of Glasgow (2225Sllf) & Univerzita Karlova (22690481) Final Dissertation - Natural Resource Abundance and Food Insecur Abstract This dissertation analyses the connection between natural resource abundance and food insecurity. Through a thorough literature review a model establishing the link between the two areas of research was created. Natural resource abundance can lead to food insecurity, if the country has low institutional quality before a resource boom. The combination of resource abundance and lack of quality institutions can then contribute to a dependence on natural resources and increased corruption. These can lead to economic decline. Accepting FAO's dimensions of food insecurity, economic decline thus causes a decrease in the availability of, access to, utilisation and stability of food, all which lead to food insecurity. This model was then tested for its applicability on the current food crisis in Venezuela, a country with one of the highest proven oil reserves worldwide. The application showed that while economic decline played a vital role in how natural resource abundance led to food insecurity in the Latin American cogntry, other connections are also important. This dissertation finishes with the observation that even though economic decline is one of the greatest problems...