IMPROVEMENT OF METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ASSESSING FOOD SECURITY IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and methodological foundations of assessing food security of the state in the context of modern socio-economic transformations, globalization of food markets, and the intensification of crisis phenomena, including military, economic, and logistical challenges. The necessity of forming a comprehensive approach to food security assessment based on a system of interrelated indicators that ensure a holistic analysis of the food system is substantiated. The paper summarizes modern international approaches to food security assessment, in particular the methodologies of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), identifying their structural components, analytical capabilities, and limitations. It is determined that existing methodologies provide a comprehensive assessment of food security, but insufficiently take into account national specificities and the level of innovative development of the agricultural sector. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the impact of military actions on the functioning of Ukraine’s food system, which manifests itself in the reduction of production potential, disruption of logistics chains, decline in economic accessibility of food, and growth of socio-economic risks. It is proved that in the conditions of post-war recovery, ensuring the resilience of the food system based on the innovative development of agricultural production becomes particularly important. The study proposes improving the methodology for assessing food security by integrating a block of indicators reflecting the innovative development of the agricultural sector into its structure. This approach makes it possible to assess the technological level of production, investment activity, the degree of implementation of modern agrotechnologies, and the efficiency of resource use. It is substantiated that the inclusion of an innovation component increases the analytical value of the methodology and allows assessing the adaptive capacity of the agricultural sector to ensure long-term food security. A step-by-step algorithm for food security assessment is developed, which includes the formation of an indicator system, data collection and normalization, determination of weighting coefficients, calculation of an integral indicator, and interpretation of results. Approaches to defining food security levels (high, sufficient, unstable, critical) are proposed, enabling a comprehensive diagnosis of the food system. It is proved that the application of an integrated approach taking into account the innovation component ensures a more objective assessment of food security, facilitates the identification of structural imbalances, and supports the development of scientifically grounded recommendations for improving state policy in this area. The results of the study can be used in developing strategic decisions aimed at strengthening food security in Ukraine under conditions of post-war recovery and long-term economic development.