MICROFINANCE FOR FOOD SECURITY: A case study of APG23 in Tanzania

The multidimensional concept of food security relates to the fulfilment, or lack thereof, of the right to food: can everyone in a specific area, ethnic or social group have access to adequate and nutritious food and conduct an active life? In particular, the impact of financial inclusion on food security is still under debate, even though there are evidences that financial support helps people cope with food insecurity situations. The aim of the research is to observe and demonstrate whether microfinance can be an effective tool for food security. After a review of the relevant literature on the concepts of food security and microfinance, we focus on the Tanzanian context, through field research of a case study. Even though the issue of food security should be always tackled from multiple perspectives, evidence shows that microfinance and financial inclusion are a tool for food access improvement. The eradication of food insecurity could take place through the implementation of local and generative projects, aimed at placing the well-being and development of the person at the core.