Today is the World Food Day and, in a 2023 marked by the cooling of the economy and inflation, Sarah Laughton prepares an x-ray of the food situation in our country and its consequences on national production; as well as policies to reduce gaps.
-How is food security in Peru?
-One in two Peruvians is in a situation of food insecurity, which is a little more than half of the population; and in critical food insecurity, 3.5% of that total. We have seen that chronic malnutrition is on the rise for the first time in 17 years (11.7% of children). This whole situation affects the capabilities of the people and the country. It also impacts economically.
-That is, do they arrive with just enough to eat?
-No, they are not arriving. To continue getting food for your family, the person stopped going to the doctor or sacrificed something. You sell an asset for the family’s regular income. We see that severely food insecure families no longer have more. They are not eating enough because they do not have more resources. They are significantly compromising their health and livelihoods.
-What is the most tangible impact of malnutrition?
-The cost of hungeralready before the pandemic, reflected that malnutrition costs Peru 4.6% of GDP. Apart from the impact on the child’s growth, it compromises their future productivity and increases public health costs.
-What dragged us into this situation?
-Since the pandemic, as in many countries in the region and the world, we have had a rise in poverty and rising prices due to the war in Ukraine. In the region there are more than 130 million people who have problems with economic access to a healthy diet and I believe that Peru has several very positive factors to face it, despite the problems.
-And those virtues are…
-The experience. Not many years ago Peru was a global success story in reducing chronic malnutrition. Peru has resources and there is the will, including from the private sector and regional governments, for the fight against hunger.
-How do you evaluate Boluarte’s management in the face of hunger?
-Important steps have been taken such as support for communal soup kitchens and soup kitchens, as well as adjustments to programs such as Juntos and Cuna Más.
-But Midis will only allocate S/3.50 per serving of food in pots. Is there room for improvement?
-Each pot has its price structure and of course it can vary. We have also supported the pots and if the details need to be refined, we will be there.
-With the stagnation of GDP and El Niño, the risk is definitely greater…
-At least a million or a million and a half people will be left vulnerable by the disasters; not only in immediate security, but also long-term poverty. Actions must be taken to prevent.
-Are you in favor of expanding the delivery of bonuses?
-There are times when direct social protection aid has to be expanded. It does not have to be seen as a cost or assistance, but as an investment. We have problems in urban areas and social programs were not granted for that. There are people who need that extra support, although it is not the only thing. We have state purchases that help small farmers.
Source: Larepublica
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