Our livelihood depends on food and nutrition.
Livelihood includes any resource or livelihood necessary to maintain the subsistence or well-being of a person or a community. It can cover food, housing, income, employment, among other things essential to sustaining life.
Feeding
Food is a fundamental component of human sustenance. It refers to the act of consuming food to obtain energy and nutrients necessary to maintain life.
Food sources are varied and largely depend on factors such as geographic location, culture, traditions and available resources. Below we explore three of the main ones.
plant foods
They include fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes and nuts. These foods, which can be obtained through agriculture, are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates, and provide an important source of energy and essential nutrients for the body. In this framework, water is a very precious element, since it is essential for cultivation and harvest.
animal foods
They include meat, fish, poultry, dairy and eggs. They are rich in high-quality proteins, as well as vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and vitamin B12. To obtain these products, human beings resort to livestock farming, hunting and fishing .
Processed foods
They are those that have been subjected to industrial transformation processes, such as sausages, canned foods, snacks and pre-cooked foods. While these foods can provide convenience, it is important to consume them in moderation and prioritize fresh, natural foods.
Nutrition
Nutrition is the process by which the body uses the nutrients obtained from food for the proper maintenance of its vital functions, growth and development. Essential nutrients include carbohydrates , proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals , all of which play specific roles and are necessary to maintain health.
Taking care of nutrition is crucial to prevent disease, maintain adequate body weight, and improve overall quality of life. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods of plant and animal origin provides the necessary nutrients to meet the needs of the human body.
Housing protects us and allows us to carry out activities that are essential for our livelihood.
Shelter and housing
Shelter and housing have been fundamental aspects of human sustenance throughout history, providing protection , security, and a place to carry out vital activities such as resting, raising children, preparing food, and social interaction. . Its evolution was influenced by a variety of factors, including geographical conditions, climate, technology, economy and culture.
In the early stages of human history, humans relied on natural shelters such as caves, overhanging rocks, and temporary shelters built from branches and leaves to protect themselves from the elements and predators. With the development of agriculture as a source of supply , the need for more permanent housing arose, which led to the development of primitive architecture, such as mud huts, adobe houses, and wooden cabins.
In ancient civilizations, such as those of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, housing evolved into more elaborate structures, such as stone and brick houses, often with multiple rooms and basic amenities. These dwellings, more like what we call home today, not only provided shelter, but also a sense of community and belonging , as they were often located near other homes and gathering places.
The Middle Ages passed, with its housing distribution that clearly distinguished the nobles, and the Renaissance , with its architectural advances that expanded the houses of the upper class and compacted those of the workers. And we come to today, with large metropolises where technology reigns, which gives autonomy to our homes, but we have not yet managed to end poverty: millions of people lack access to this and other sources of sustenance.
Job
Work plays a crucial role as a means of obtaining resources necessary for survival and well-being. Currently, there are a large number of trades and professional careers to obtain a monetary income (salary) and, in the best of cases, achieve financial stability , so necessary for sustenance in the modern world.
Based only on theory and without taking into account the undeniable social and economic obstacles, the path to obtaining a job begins with education , a fundamental right of people. This process begins in childhood and gives us the tools to function in the work and student world once we become independent. To enter a particular market, we can resort to specific training courses that enhance our natural abilities.
However, there is a persistent phenomenon that affects people's ability to access an adequate and satisfactory standard of living: wage inequality . It refers to disparities in income between different groups of workers, whether based on gender, race, ethnicity, educational level, geographic location, or other characteristics. These can be the result of various factors, including discrimination, lack of access to job opportunities, lack of equitable wage policies, and the socioeconomic structure of society.
Through work we obtain the resources for our livelihood.
Sustainability
Sustainability is the ability to satisfy present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy theirs. In other words, it is about balancing economic, social and environmental development to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all forms of life on the planet.
Sustainability is essential to address current global challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resource scarcity and social inequality. It requires a holistic and collaborative approach involving governments, businesses, civil society and individual citizens to work together towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Environmental sustainability
It involves conserving and protecting natural resources, preserving biodiversity, reducing pollution and mitigating climate change. It depends on sustainable management practices and responsible consumption of natural resources , such as water , soil, air, energy and biodiversity, as well as the adoption of clean and renewable technologies, sustainable development, to reduce the ecological footprint and minimize negative impacts on the environment. environment.
Social sustainability
Guarantee equity, social justice and human well-being . This involves promoting equal access to educational, health, employment and participation in decision-making opportunities, as well as protecting the human, cultural and labor rights of all people , especially marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Economic sustainability
Promote equitable and sustainable economic growth that does not deplete natural resources or degrade the environment. Promote responsible and ethical business practices, invest in resilient and sustainable infrastructure, as well as adopt economic policies that promote social inclusion, the creation of decent employment and the reduction of poverty.