According to a study published by the United Nations World Food Program, one out of every three people in Venezuela is struggling to meet minimum nutrition requirements. A nationwide survey based on data from 8,375 questionnaires reported that a total of 9.3 million people–roughly one-third of the population–are moderately or severely food insecure.
Food insecurity is defined as an individual being unable to meet basic dietary needs. The survey describes food insecurity as a nationwide concern in Venezuela, with the states of Delta Amacuro, Amazonas, and Falcon suffering from disproportionately high levels of food insecurity. Even in more prosperous regions, the survey estimated that one in five people is food insecure.
Amidst the nation’s severe economic contraction and political upheaval, 74% of families have adopted “food-related coping strategies”, such as reducing the variety and quality of food. 60% of households reported cutting portion sizes in meals, 33% accepted food as payment for work, and 20% reported selling family assets to cover basic needs. Seven in ten reported that high prices are the cause, rather than food availability. 37% reported they had lost their job or business as a result of severe economic contraction.
The survey also looks at the interruptions in access to electricity and water. It reports that four in ten households experience daily power cuts and interruptions to water service.
These figures show an exponential rise in hunger and food security in the country. A 2019 Food and Agriculture Organization report showed that 21.2% of the population of 96.8 million was suffering from hunger at the time. Additionally, UNICEF reported that between 2013 and 2018, 13% of the country’s children were suffering from malnutrition. Ironically, the Maduro government was recognized by the UN in 2013 and 2015 for its food mission, which was initiated by the socialist government of Hugo Chavez and continued by Maduro.
Maduro has frequently blamed the Trump administration and alleged that the financial sanctions by the US are to blame for Venezuela's economic malaise and food shortfalls.
Image Source: Carolina Political Review