Strategic evaluation of the Food and Nutrition Security Plan of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

Objective A strategic analysis was carried out in order to verify the relevance of the Food and Nutrition Security Plan of the state of Santa Catarina to the Brazilian concept of Food and Nutrition Security. Methods A matrix containing 7 dimensions, 16 sub-dimensions and 35 indicators was used for the evaluation, which were evaluated as poor, regular, good and excellent for each component. Results The Plan was evaluated as being of good relevance to its objective. However, it was only relevant to 53% of the analyzed dimensions, and the dimension of promoting universal access to adequate food had the worst result. The dimensions of developing permanent processes of education, research and training, and of evaluation and monitoring, obtained the best results, with the Plan being evaluated as of good relevance to these dimensions. Still, for half of the sub-dimensions and for 60% of the analyzed indicators, the Plan was evaluated as poor or regular. Conclusion It is hoped that the results of this research can qualify the Plan researched, as well as stimulate reflections for the construction of Plans in the other Brazilian states.

What is the food and nutrition security situation of Santa Catarina municipalities? Results of a multidimensional assessment

“…An FNS assessment matrix was constructed based on an evaluation model structured into seven dimensions, defined from theoretical and normative data, and discussed until agreement in consensus workshops with experts through the Delphi method. The model, developed to assess the relevance of state FNS plans, was tested and described in detail in a previous study [8]. Given that the model is built upon the premise of FNS proposed by the Brazilian legal framework, its dimensions were kept unchanged [8,11].…”

“…The model, developed to assess the relevance of state FNS plans, was tested and described in detail in a previous study [8]. Given that the model is built upon the premise of FNS proposed by the Brazilian legal framework, its dimensions were kept unchanged [8,11]. Alterations were only performed in subdimensions, indicators, and items to adapt the tool for municipal assessment.…”

“…Alterations were only performed in subdimensions, indicators, and items to adapt the tool for municipal assessment. It is noteworthy that most subdimensions were maintained; however, five subdimensions from the original model had to be excluded because they did not apply to local scopes [8].…”

“…Such policies permeate food and nutrition programs and help advance social protection and income transfer initiatives [4]. However, the national studies and tools available for assessing FNS focus on aspects such as nutrient intake and perception of food insecurity although more comprehensive and systemic evaluation proposals exist [5][6][7][8].…”

“…Research aimed at evaluating and monitoring FNS from the wide perspective of the Brazilian FNS concept can contribute to the consolidation of the national FNS system [7,8,10]. Considering the above and the importance of local bodies for the implementation of NFNSP, this study assessed the FNS situation of all municipalities of a state in southern Brazil.…”