Food sovereignty - an appropriate approach to ensure the right to food?

Abstract

The article reviews the food sovereignty concept, comparing it with the legally recognised human right to food. It is found that there are certain elements of Article 11(2) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which have not been properly emphasised in the context of food trade and new technologies in food production. The article argues in favour of strengthening the right to food approach when faced with these challenges. While acknowledging the mobilising potential that the concept food sovereignty has among civil society actors, it is nevertheless argued that the right to food is both more precise, has stronger support among states, and is on a much higher level with regard to legally binding obligations compared to the food sovereignty concept.