Almost 7 in every 10 Venezuelan families are in a situation of food insecurity, according to a study carried out by the consulting company Consultores21.
A report on the Food Security Crisis in Venezuela carried out in September 2023 with a sample of 2,000 households found that 38% of families are in a situation of very low food security. A further 34% are in the low food security category, while just the remaining 28% are in a situation of high security.
This figure remains similar to the numbers recorded in 2022 when the same study found that 70% of Venezuelan families were in a situation of food insecurity.
This report indicates that the regions most affected by food insecurity are Zulia and Guayana. The study reveals that 84% and 67% of families in each respective region are in a situation of very low food security.
On the other hand, the regions with the best levels of food security index are the metropolitan area of the country’s capital, Caracas, and the states in north-central Venezuela. In these areas, 52% and 48% of families are highly food secure, respectively.
Food insecurity can affect people’s development
The study also found that the lack of resources to lead a healthy and balanced diet was common among Venezuelan households as of September 2023. Almost 90% of the families surveyed considered that this circumstance affects their diet.
Following closely behind is the reduction of food portions due to lack of money, mentioned by 80% of respondents.
These figures are of great concern given that food insecurity can have a negative impact on the health and development of people and even the wellbeing of society in general. This is one of the consequences of surviving in a country where the monthly minimum salary cannot ensure a decent living, according to international standards.
Translated by Jose Rafael Medina
