RURAL DIVERSITY IN BRAZIL: FOOD SECURITY AND INSECURITY

Abstract

The Brazilian rural environment exhibits significant heterogeneity, with many residents experiencing high levels of food insecurity, particularly among informal wage laborers and non-occupied families. In total, 1.4 million families face moderate to severe food insecurity. Among rural unemployed individuals, 29% live in such conditions, while 19% of informal agricultural wage laborers also suffer from this vulnerability. In family farming, 11% face food deprivation. The precariousness of informal work, underemployment, and unemployment are key factors exacerbating food insecurity in rural areas. Addressing these issues requires targeted public policies to meet the specific needs of these vulnerable groups.