Between food crops and sugarcane agribusiness: the interfaces of food and nutritional (in)security in the rural area of ​​Japaratuba/SE

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the prevalence rates of food (in)security (FI) in the rural area of ​​the municipality of Japaratuba/SE, focusing on the contrast between commodity production and food cultivation in the territory. The primary data were collected through the application of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), the food recall and the socioeconomic questionnaire. This process included 256 citizens, residents of the rural area of Japaratuba. The results of this research show that Japaratuba maintains a significant land concentration linked to the production of the commodity sugarcane, an economic activity that predominates in the territory to the detriment of food crops, which denotes risks to the sovereignty and food security of the population. Through the application of the EBIA, a prevalence of 65.24% of FI (mild/moderate/severe) was found. The multivariate model indicated the statistical association of FI condition (moderate/severe) with the absence of children under 18 years of age, the greater number of residents in the household, and the unavailability of milk (powder/liquid). Although the presence of basic items of the diet was observed in a significant percentage of the households, the scenario also contrasted with the high availability of ultra-processed products. Based on the situation evidenced, it is considered essential to develop and improve actions at the municipal level, given the focus and promotion of the food and nutritional security conditions among groups in social vulnerability.