Latin America

Abstract

This chapter describes and explains food insecurity in Latin America. A range of economic and political factors limit the access of poor communities to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food. The increasing scarcity of natural resources, especially land, water, forests, and fisheries, also undermines food security in the region. The chapter then turns to multilateral efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition in Latin America. Although emergency food aid continues to be provided in those cases where nutritional needs are urgent, especially in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters, most international assistance is extended to build sustainable food systems in the region. This includes a diverse range of initiatives to raise agricultural productivity, promote rural development, and preserve natural environments.