Climate change disturbs food systems in Latin America, according to the UN report

Climate change disturbs food systems in Latin America, according to the UN report

violent weather conditions, which are tightened by climate change All about Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a new report by the United Nations.

Influence of extreme weather conditions on agricultural prices

Extreme weather events in several countries in the region drove up agricultural prices, reports the report, which was created by several UN agencies, including the World Food Program (WFP). Hot weather and drought, which were reinforced by the EL Niño weather phenomenon, rose the corn prices in Argentina, Mexico, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, while heavy rains in Ecuador increased the wholesale prices by 32 to 54 percent in the same year.

safety nets and their effect

Although the report certifies the social security nets a measurable reduction in malnutrition throughout Latin America, he notes that the poorest and most vulnerable population groups in the region are still more susceptible to food uncertainty due to climate change.

case study: nutritional security in rural areas

A quote from a study from 2020 states that 36 % of 439 small companies in rural Honduras and Guatemala experienced "episodic food uncertainty due to extreme weather events". Ivy Blackmore, a researcher of the University of Missouri, explained to nutrition and agriculture in indigenous farming communities in Ecuador,: "In more rural areas, you don't have many resources to deal with poor harvest."

The effects of erosion on agriculture

In the communities she examined, erosion caused by persistent rain to plant farmers on the unaffected grassland nearby. "You could have a few good harvests. But the erosion continues and they are digging more land," added Blackmore. "Extreme erosion takes place because you have to supply yourself at short notice without being able to tackle the long -term consequences."

trend towards unhealthy, processed foods

Since extreme weather conditions increase food prices, some consumers tend to use cheaper but less nutritious, ultra-processed foods. This is a particularly dangerous trend in Latin America, as the UN report states, where "the costs of healthy eating are highest worldwide" and has increased significantly in both children and adults since 2000.