Problems of food security in the Russian Arctic

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyse food security of the Russian Arctic regions’ inhabitants. International context consideration allows to show some contradictions in food security concept understanding, that FAO and Russian political elite have. Social disproportions in economic affordability and physical availability of food, consumer preferences and behaviour are revealed. The article addresses original empirical data, statistical regression and factor analysis to examine consumers’ behavioural features, associated with economic inaccessibility of vital food products. It is noted that families with three or more children constantly economize, not buying the necessary amount of meat and meat products, fish and seafood, fruits and berries. Research results indicate that the governmental food security policy should be adapted to the realities of Arctic region inhabitants. We pay special attention to the need to shift the food security concept from external threats and hunger to threats that local population face every day. This problem is particularly relevant for the Russian Arctic zone residents.