Photo credit: Protesters build a brick barrier on a main road in the capital Khartoum, during a demonstration against rising prices. Photograph: Ashraf Shazly/AFP/Getty Images
17/02/2021
Food Insecurity should not be mistaken with famine or as being an issue that afflicts worn torn or drought-stricken countries and therefore nations that we are unlikely to visit.
On the contrary, food insecurity is a challenge that risks creating instability in towns and cities where we have business interests or where we intend pursuing opportunities.
The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as: “Occurring when households are unable to acquire adequate food because they have insufficient money and other resources.”
One of the many direct consequences of the current pandemic is an increased level of poverty and therefore ever greater challenges for those trying to feed their families.
The potential consequences fit perfectly into the Grey Rhino category as they are foreseeable and could have a significant impact on traveller security.
“Food insecurity risks creating instability in towns and cities where we have business interests or where we intend pursuing opportunities”
Earlier this week Sudan declared a state of emergency in seven regions in order to stem violent protests over soaring food prices.
Buildings were looted and burned, and food was stolen from markets and shops during protests against dramatic increases in food prices.
The scenes witnessed in Darfur, North Kordofan, West Kordofan, and Sennar where curfews have been imposed and schools have been forced to close could very well be repeated in a number of other countries.
Food insecurity is not a new problem, but the current situation has accentuated the challenges faced by citizens in a number of countries throughout the world including many that we conduct business in.
Situational Awareness and Emergency Assistance
As part of our Duty of Care towards staff members travelling internationally we have to monitor ongoing situations and do our best to predict scenarios in which there is the potential for civil unrest or violence.
In 2021 food insecurity has to be considered one of the many Grey Rhinos that will put our Travel Risk Management Policies to the test.
Companies have to ask themselves not only how well organised they are to monitor current situations and forecast potential changes to the status quo, but also how well prepared they are to intervene in the case of the unexpected worst case scenario actually taking place.
“Knowledge is essential but it has to be supported by the capability to interpret updates and transform them into practical advice”
Preparation is the starting point but a reactive capability is also fundamental. It is not enough to be aware of risks and be alerted to sudden changes in countries or cities that interest us, staff members present in these locations must be given adequate, timely support in order to best manage the situation.
At Pyramid Temi Group we believe that analysis and planning are the building blocks of an efficient Travel Risk Management Policy and to this end we focus on assisting our clients correctly assess and plan for international travel.
We offer continuous updates on local security situations, we train staff members well in advance of travel and brief them before they depart, and we support them during their voyage by providing security updates and, crucially, advising them on best practices to adopt during a security event.
We believe that knowledge is essential but that it has to be supported by the capability to interpret updates and information and transform them into practical advice.
If you’re interested in knowing more about how our 40 years’ experience in Security and Travel Risk Management can benefit your company, we’re available to discuss your risk profile and analyse your requirements.