The food availability and consumption programme: perspectives to year 2000

RESUMO

Food availability and consumption continues to be a major problem for several Caribbean households despite generally adequate food supplies at the national level. The problem is one of maldistribution among different socio-economic groups. This maldistribution is reflected in the nutrition related problems of protein-energy malnutrition on the one hand and obesity on the other. Another distressing feature is the high degree of import dependence on food supplies. Ensuring adequate supplies of safe, wholesome and nutritious foods at all times to all segments of the population requires efforts on the part of Government and agencies to increase domestic food production and improve the purchasing power of the poor while educating consumers to make sound food and nutrition choices. The food availability and consumption programme of CFNI focuses on a series of activities in the areas of policies and plans, training, research and information systems development through mobilising the necessary resources for their conduct. Through direct consultancy, support will be provided in the execution of all aspects of the food and nutrition planning process. The technical cooperation will be conducted through the appropriate mechanisms existing in the member countries for food and nutrition planning. The development of multisectoral food and nutrition coordinating mechanisms will be promoted. Support will be provided to Caribbean Universities in the design and conduct of courses involving food and nutrition planning. In collaboration with the University of the West Indies, a short course in Food and Nutrition Planning will be mounted as a Summer Course to enhance the capability of Government officers involved in food and nutrition planning activities. Research will be conducted in such areas as (a) The interrelationships among factors affecting food production, distribution and consumption; (b) Development of operational intersectoral food and nutrition surveillance systems; (c) Determination of factors influencing nutritional sufficiency at the household level; (d) Assessment of intra-family food distribution and associated factors; (e) The cost effectiveness and impact of food aid programmes. The development of appropriate data bases for food and nutrition planning and coordination will be closely linked to the activities in food and nutrition surveillance systems. The collection, analysis and dissemination of nutrient-cost data will be the hub of the information dissemination activities. These activities will be conducted in collaboration with the member States and their institutions including CARICOM and other national, regional and international agencies. (SUMMARY)