Food security in Mexico

Flag of Mexico

Mexico has sought to ensure food security through its history. Yet, despite various efforts, Mexico continues to lack national food and nutrition strategies that secure food security for the people. As a large country of more than 100 million people, planning and executing social policies are complex tasks. Although Mexico has been expanding its food and nutrition programs that have been expected, and to some degree, have contributed to increases in health and nutrition, food security, particularly as it relates to obesity and malnutrition, still remains a relevant public health problem.[1] Although food availability is not the issue, severe deficiencies in the accessibility of food contribute to insecurity.

Between 2003 and 2005, the total Mexican food supply was well above the level sufficient to meet the requirement of the Mexican population, averaging 3,270 kilocalories per daily capita, which is higher than the minimum requirements of 1,850 kilocalories per daily capita. However, at least 10 percent of the population in every Mexican state suffers from inadequate food access. In nine states, 25–35 percent live in food-insecure households. More than 10 percent of the population of seven Mexican states falls into the category of Serious Food Insecurity.[2]

The issue of food inaccessibility is magnified by chronic child malnutrition, as well as obesity in children, adolescents, and families.[3]

Mexico is vulnerable to drought, which can cripple agriculture.[4]

  1. ^ "The double burden of malnutrition Case studies from six developing countries". www.fao.org. Retrieved 2017-11-24.
  2. ^ "Food Security and Nutrition in Mexico" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
  3. ^ Urquía-Fernández, Nuria (2014). "Food security in Mexico". Salud Pública de México. 56: s92–s98. PMID 25649459. Archived from the original on 2017-09-27. Retrieved 2017-09-27.
  4. ^ Appendini, Kirsten; Liverman, Diana (1994). "Agricultural policy, climate change and food security in Mexico". Food Policy. 19 (2): 149–64. doi:10.1016/0306-9192(94)90067-1.