This study aims to carry forward the idea of empowering production-oriented solutions to food security. We propose two innovative ways to ensure food security in and for the future. The idea of slow food and small business rests on the understanding that strengthening the local economy of a region, be it urban or rural, is the key to providing food security.
Slow food is about locally sourcing food ingredients and using traditional methods of cooking for a more healthy and sustainable food system. But there exist challenges to such an approach based on the several factors causing the change in foodscape of a region, keeping in mind the limiting factors of an ecosystem. Therefore, the solution to this is to follow a balance in the system by incorporating the element of small business. The approach to small business is from the framework of household livelihood strategy. Deriving economic benefits out of the cultural knowledge of migrants to establish small business in the region, also caters to a diverse population in this multi-ethnic urban setup.
This paper is based on the research substantiated by two case studies, one from Leh, Ladakh and another from the city of Greater Noida. The study argues the interplay between food, culture and economy of a region at the household level.
