Envisaging Food Security through Intracoupling: A CHANS Perspective

ABSTRACT The CHANS structure (coupled human and natural systems) offers a prism through which dynamic human and nature interactions can be viewed. Multiple frameworks have been developed under CHANS that look at a certain aspect of such interactions at different levels. One such framework is metacoupling, which is considered a tentative solution to achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, this paper aims to give a comprehensive overview and develop an innovative conceptual model to understand intracoupling which comes under the umbrella concept of metacoupling. Based on the review of literature and the qualitative observations from the authors’ perspective the study has been designed in the form of a review of literature and later a conceptual framework has been developed. The model proposed in the article is applied to analyze the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. PDS plays a vital role in ensuring food security which is given high priority in the list of SDGs. This framework is expected to offer the policy makers and researchers a new perspective in seeking creative solutions for the achievement of SDGs. It can also help in furthering the studies and theory-building process related to sustainability. Pioneering future applications to other social and economic challenges are suggested. Also, implications for research and policy are provided. To conclude, this paper adds to the existing literature on human nature interactions by providing a theoretical perspective to better understand the intricacies associated with it.