Abstract

PEREZ, Juan José  and  RAZZ, Rosa. The general systems theory and its application in the study of agro-alimentary security . Revista de Ciencias Sociales [online]. 2009, vol.15, n.3, pp.486-498. ISSN 1315-9518.

The general purpose of this research was to discuss applying the general systems theory (GST) to the study of agro-alimentary security in Venezuela, through a theoretical investigation. The research corresponded to a documentary or bibliographic design. The theoretical discussion was centered on the epistemological, conceptual and methodological principles of GST and the feasibility of agro-alimentary security by following a systemic perspective, by reflecting and comparing several authors of agro alimentary thinking. The research made it possible to argue about the feasibility for applying GST to agro-alimentary security by taking into account the contributions that have been derived from different theoretical and methodological approaches to the subject. Conclusions are that the strategies oriented toward achieving agro-alimentary security for the country, from the systemic perspective, must take into account the following interrelated elements: a) the food supply, b) accessibility to food, c) satisfaction of nutritional requirements and d) agro-alimentary policies, both sectorial as well as macroeconomic.

Keywords : General systems theory; agro-alimentary security; policies; alimentary supply; accessibility; nutritional satisfaction.