The General Systems Theory and its Application in the Study of Agro-Alimentary Security

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.