Mozambique Prevalence of Undernourishment
Prevalence of Undernourishment in Mozambique
Definition: The prevalence of undernourishment indicates the percentage of the population whose food intake is insufficient to consistently meet dietary energy requirements. This metric reflects a country's food security status and the effectiveness of nutritional policies and programs.
Current Status in Mozambique: Mozambique faces significant challenges related to food insecurity and undernourishment. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank:
- Prevalence of Undernourishment (Latest available data): Approximately 29.5% of the population is undernourished.
Historical Trends: The prevalence of undernourishment in Mozambique has fluctuated over the past decades, influenced by factors such as economic conditions, agricultural productivity, climate variability, and policy interventions:
- 1990-1992: Approximately 54.4%
- 2000-2002: Approximately 46.2%
- 2010-2012: Approximately 34.7%
- 2018-2020: Approximately 29.5%
Key Factors Influencing Undernourishment in Mozambique:
- Agricultural Productivity:
- Low agricultural productivity due to inadequate farming techniques, limited access to inputs (seeds, fertilizers), and lack of irrigation infrastructure.
- Climate Variability:
- Frequent droughts, floods, and cyclones significantly impact food production and availability.
- Economic Access:
- High levels of poverty limit the ability of many households to afford sufficient food.
- Market Access and Food Distribution:
- Poor transportation infrastructure hinders the efficient distribution of food from surplus to deficit areas.
- Nutrition Awareness:
- Limited knowledge about proper nutrition and dietary practices contributes to undernourishment.
- Conflict and Displacement:
- Internal conflicts and displacement further exacerbate food insecurity by disrupting agricultural activities and access to food.