FOOD AND NUTRITION INSECURITY IN THE BELAS VILLAGE - DISTRICT OF VANDÚZI. Assessment of catalyst factors among subsistence farmers

Abstract

Several studies carried out in Mozambique point out that there is a high degree of Food Insecurity throughout the national territory, which is also proven by research carried out in the village of Belas, located in the district of Vandúzi in the province of Manica. The present study is based on a mixed research (qualitative and quantitative) of exploratory-descriptive genre. In
this context, a sample of 40 families within the village of Belas was randomly selected and the number of families facing food and nutrition insecurity was evaluated based on interviews using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA). In addition, 10 children under 5 years of age were measured for height and weight. As a result of the field research, it was found that of the 40 selected families, 31 families had Severe Food Insecurity, three had Moderate Food Insecurity; one had Moderate Food Insecurity that tends to worsen, and only two families presented Food Security. These data allow us to infer that public policies in Mozambique, especially in the village of Belas, are not being implemented with due efficiency, because they are not known by these small farmers, thus contributing to high rates of families in Food Insecurity.