SEGURIDAD ALIMENTARIA Y NUTRICIONAL DE LAS FAMILIAS DE LOS AGRICULTORES DE TIERRA BLANCA DE CARTAGO (COSTA RICA), ENERO 2011

Abstract

 Objective: To study how family agriculture contributes to food security and nutrition in farm families. Methodology: A sample of 43 families of Tierra Blanca de Cartago formed mainly by a head of household, spouse and child. The research was conducted through visits to selected households in the sample and structured interview. We assessed sociodemographic characteristics and production and food access profile using Form Family Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Situation, the level of food insecurity through ELCSA, and in children under 5 years, were carried out measurements of weight and height using the Form collection of anthropometric measurements, a scale and a stadiometer sun. We applied descriptive statistics (averages and distributions) and inferential (chi square correlations). Results: The majority of families were made up of between 4-5 members and average age between 18 and 65 years old. All householders were engaged in agriculture and most of their spouses were housewives and did not contribute to the household income, level of education for both the majority was the primary. Of the 19 children under 5 years evaluated, nine had a normal nutritional status and eight had some delay in carving. Foods that are produced in the area were the onion, potatoes and carrots, which are marketed primarily through in­termediaries. Less than half of the production units had basic services and only 53% of families incorporating their children in productive work. 42% of families had some level of food insecurity, mostly mild. However, almost all of them had basic services in their homes and were insured by the CCSS Only 16.3% of the households surveyed had an adequate dietary diversity and only 35% had the income to cover basic food basket. The main form of food acquisition was the purchase except for potatoes, onions and carrots. Conclusion: Family farming contributed to the food and nutritional situation by increasing the availability and access to food, however, even though they also had the potential to increase the variety of foods, few families they succeeded.