Globalism Versus Villagism: Food Security and Environment at National and International Levels 1

Perceptions of the trade-offs between the pursuit of food security and environmental protection at the household or village level differ widely from those at national and global levels. Many poor rural producers exploit natural resources to achieve food security, and they do not distinguish between environmental and food security objectives. Their livelihood strategies are characterized by a continuous process of balancing immediate and longer-term needs. In stark contrast, at higher levels, institutional, political and economic distinctions are made between food security and environmental protection. Policy and planning options to integrate what are seen to be conflicting objectives are elusive. Here, Davies and Leach examine how the globalist perspective has come about; look at some of the ways in which it operates; explore how it might be brought closer to a villagist approach and the problems associated with bridging the gap.