Food and nutritional security in the villages Nuevo Tambo de Mora and Alto El Molino, Ica, Peru

Abstract

Abstract Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) can be affected at any time and place in the world, including as a result of various natural disasters. The aim of this study is to determine the FNS situation in families from the two villages (Ica, Peru) Nuevo Tambo de Mora (NTM) and Alto El Molino (AEM) in 2015 and the dimensions of FNS (availability, access, consumption, biological use, and stability). This is a quantitative, descriptive, observational, cross‐sectional, and retrospective study. Families with at least one child under 12 years of age were included. Sampling was probabilistic and systematic (363 families in AEM and 241 in NTM). Two questionnaires were used: the first comprising availability and access; and the second comprising consumption, biological utilization, and stability. FNS was observed in 33.6% of the population of AEM and 47.3% in NTM, while 17.9% and 14.5% of moderate food insecurity (FI) and severe FI, respectively, were observed in AEM and NTM. FI was reported in 6.9% in AEM and 3.3% in NTM. Food was available in markets and stores. More than half of the families had a monthly income lesser than the officially minimum established in Peru. Exclusive breastfeeding (EB) until 6 months old was predominant in both communities: 80.1% in NTM and 77.1% in AM. More than 70% reported not consuming fruits and vegetables. Eighty‐six percent of surveyed inhabitants in AEM and 78% in NTM washed their hands before preparing food. The main cause of food shortages was the increase in price, reported by 51.8% in NTM and 48.6% in AEM. Half of the families in NTM and one‐sixth of AEM presented FI at various levels, among which severe FI is emphasized in households with the larger number of members, showing through the five‐dimensional evaluation of the FNS.