Food security is a flexible concept as reflected in various documents formulated by United Nations and ASEAN. The 1996 World Food Summit endorsed that “Food security is a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”. In contrast, food insecurity exists when people do not have adequate physical, social or economic access to food as defined above.

In 2009-2020, ASEAN formulated and implemented the ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework, and two Strategic Plans of Action on Food Security in 2009-2013 and 20152020, focusing on a strategic set of measures based on strong commitments and ownership among all ASEAN Member States (AMS). The goal of the AIFS Framework is to ensure longterm food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers in ASEAN.