Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá — A report titled "Panorama Regional de la Seguridad Alimentaria y la Nutrición 2024" highlights significant challenges in food security and nutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean. The report was produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
The document analyzes progress and setbacks in eradicating hunger and malnutrition, considering the impacts of climate change, economic crises, and government policies. It identifies climate variability and extreme weather events as key factors affecting food security.
In Panama, the report indicates that 36.1% of the adult population suffers from obesity, comparable to Mexico (36.0%) and higher than Guatemala (26.8%). Since 2012, Panama has seen an alarming increase of over 9 percentage points in obesity rates, necessitating effective measures to promote healthy habits.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue, with moderate or severe food insecurity affecting 13.8% of the population between 2014 and 2023. Despite a slight improvement, many households, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities, continue to be impacted.
The report highlights stark contrasts among countries in the region. In Haiti, severe food insecurity affects 49.3% of the population, while Uruguay has one of the lowest undernourishment rates in Latin America at 2.8%.
The Caribbean faces the highest costs for healthy diets, with countries like Barbados and Jamaica experiencing significantly higher prices. In contrast, Brazil and Argentina have improved the affordability of healthy diets through subsidies and local production policies.
In response to these challenges, Panama has initiated sustainable agriculture programs. In 2020, the country launched Farmers' Field Schools (ECA) to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, particularly in rice production. By 2021, around 350 producers and technicians benefited from these trainings, enhancing crop profitability and efficiency.
Panama has also implemented mitigation measures in the NAMA Facility as part of its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture, reinforcing its long-term sustainability and food security goals.
The report further examines anemia prevalence among women aged 15 to 49, revealing that 21.2% are affected. This figure underscores the need for strengthened health and nutrition policies to combat nutritional deficiencies.
Notably, Panama has achieved a reduction in stunting among children under five years old, decreasing from 23.6% in 2000 to 5.6% in 2022. This progress positions the country among those with significant advancements in the region, alongside Bolivia, Peru, and Guyana. However, challenges remain in meeting the global target of a 40% reduction in child malnutrition by 2030.
The "Panorama Regional de la Seguridad Alimentaria y la Nutrición 2024" outlines both the challenges and achievements of Panama in combating malnutrition and food insecurity. While initiatives to enhance agricultural sustainability have been implemented, high rates of obesity and anemia continue to require urgent attention.
Improving nutritional education and sustaining production strategies are seen as essential steps toward ensuring a healthier population in Panama.