Particular population groups in Asian countries, who are increasingly vulnerable, are the many ethnic minorities, who represent mostly the absolute poor, dependent for their living on natural resources (forests, water and arable land) often in remote, mountainous areas. Food security of ethnic minority groups and communities is strongly affected by deforestation, water pollution, community land invasion by private enterprises or government agencies and the lack of appropriate skills for alternative sustainable farming systems, lack of access to non-farm employment and other sustainable livelihood opportunities. Due to the rural-urban migration and the impact of HIV-AIDS, children and the aged in rural areas are also increasingly becoming vulnerable to malnutrition.
