Cassava flour production, COVID-19 and Food Security: the repercussions for family farmers in the Recôncavo Baiano Region

Abstract

The pandemic generated one of the biggest crises in the world, with a reduction in the population's purchasing power and difficulties in accessing food. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the conditions of flour production and its relation with the food security of family farmers in the cassava chain, in the Recôncavo Baiano Region, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with data collection using a questionnaire and treatment using descriptive statistics and association tests. Of the total number of participants (n=86), 64% indicated changes in flour production volume and income. There was a reduction in monthly production, in the number of workers and hours worked in the flour houses, in addition to a reduction in the diversity of buyers. The increase in income from flour was associated with small number of more experienced producers (p=0.047). Despite the maintenance of fairs in the cities studied, there were changes in customer behavior. Online commerce and delivery were not very representative. Of those interviewed, 50% reported concern that food would run out. Government measures to support family farmers did not have a satisfactory reach among the participants. Most received emergency aid, and were also beneficiaries of social programs, which highlights vulnerabilities in the sector.