COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity in South American countries

The COVID-19 pandemic had unprecedented political, economic, and social consequences, intensifying global food insecurity (FI). To assess its impact on different socio-economic groups, this study analyzed food insecurity prevalence and severity across 18,997 households in seven South American countries using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FAO). Findings indicate that before the pandemic, 4.5% of households experienced Moderate FI, while 0.6% faced Severe FI. During the pandemic, Moderate FI surged to 16.9% (+12.4%), and Severe FI rose to 2.7% (+2.1%). Venezuela had the highest pre-pandemic Moderate FI prevalence (9.7%), while Peru reported the most Severe FI cases (1.1%). Peru saw the largest increase in both Moderate FI (+23.9%) and Severe FI (+4.6%). Low-income households (earning <2 minimum wages per month) were most vulnerable. Uruguayan low-income families experienced the sharpest increase (+40.4%) in Moderate FI, while Peru’s low-income households saw Severe FI rise by +9.1%. This study highlights the profound and far-reaching effects of COVID-19 on food insecurity in South America, stressing the urgent need for effective public policy interventions to enhance resilience against future crises. Policymakers must develop targeted strategies to address immediate challenges and build a sustainable, resilient food security landscape for the region.
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Authors
Vasconcelos-Neto, C.F.A.,Jacob, M.,Tregidgo, D.,Valle, D.,El Bizri, H.R.,Gomes, S.M.,Fa, J.E.,Morcatty, T.Q.,Monteiro, F.O.B.,Scofield, A.,Matte, A.,Chaves, W.A.,Borges, L.H.M.,Silva, A.I.A.,Santos-Fita, D.,Silva, T.L.,Lopes-Filho, I.I.,Silva, M.I.A.,Barreto, R.M.F.,Oliveira, M.A.,Ferreira, F.S.,Santos, R.R.,Honorato-Júnior, J.,Brazil, M.V.S.,Sousa, S.A.,Oliveira, D.C.L.,Ferreira, V.R.F.,Soares, H.K.L.,Pinto, M.F.,Beltrão-Mendes, R.,Rodrigues, M.P.L.,Rocha, W.A.,Gutiérrez Poblete, R.,Schettini, F.L.,Rojas, J.S.S.,Aspilcueta, M.A.,Zevallos, J.D.V.,Gagliardi-Urrutia, G.,Menéndez Delgado, E.R.,Polit-Vera, M.L.,Rodríguez Ríos, E.,Carrascal Velásquez, J.C.,Forlano Riera, M.D.,Perera Romero, L.,Salas Dueñas, D.A.,Garin, D.,Mayor, P.
Publication year
2025