Analysis of the food security in family farming in Northern Ecuador

Abstract:

This research work uses qualitative and quantitative approaches in order to analyze the pillars of food security in the family farming sector, in three different geographic regions of northern Ecuador. The results determine that family farming food security in these regions is very low (food insecurity with hunger). The low agricultural income produced by households limits the access to food; low agricultural productivity, the absence of markets, the size of the unit of agricultural production (UPA) and the implementation of industrial crops, on the other hand, limit the availability and quality of food. These together, increase the scarcity of food in the households and alter the stability of food security. In the face of this situation, family farming produces more than half of the food that is consumed in the household. This research contributes with theoretical and empirical information of a little explored problematic of a very vulnerable population group, it can guide the design of agrarian policies to reduce the low food security in the family farming, in three geographically and climatically different places. These policies should focus on the importance of maintaining diverse family agro-systems, to implement food security education programs, and support economically and technologically the family farming as a basis for improving access, availability, use and stability of food in both rural and urban areas, considering their features and help reach food sovereignty in the long-term.

Año de publicación:

2018

Keywords:

• agrobiodiversity
• Family farming
• Industrial crops
• Food shortage
• rural development
• ECUADOR
• FOOD SECURITY

Fuente:

scopus