How close are we to self-provisioning? A look at the livelihood strategies of rural households in the Southern Andean region of Colombia

Abstract

Production for self-provisioning contributes to food security in rural territories; however, studies have indicated that this capacity is limited. We analyze the impact of livelihood strategies on self-provisioning conditions in 162 rural households in the department of Huila, Colombia. Different topics were examined: a. source of the food; b. composition of home gardens; c. push and pull factors towards self-provisioning; d. capacity of rural households to access food in the face of COVID-19. Results indicated that rural households are 75% dependent on grocery stores for access their food. Only 51% of households have a home garden, with limited species diversity. Capacity for self-provisioning varies according to the livelihood strategies and capital endowment of the household; those with a greater diversity of agricultural activities have better capacity to provide for self-provisioning. We conclude that resilience of rural households is minimal to face atypical events such as the pandemic generated by COVID-19.

Systematic review on ensuring the global food security and covid-19 pandemic resilient food systems: towards accomplishing sustainable development goals targets

“…This panic consumption pattern increased unwarranted price volatility and stressed the supply, distribution, and production chains for food [59]. Furthermore, current financial instability has reduced income, decreased purchasing power, and altered consumption patterns [49,80]. Panic purchasing, stockpiling/ hoarding behavior and a dramatic increase in food demand caused short-term issues like temporary food scarcity, restricting food supply, particularly for long-lasting foodstuffs [59,81].…”

“…Self-provisioning is supported by gardens of different types, agroforestry systems, and in particular fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, and dairy products [50,107]. Hernández-Nez et al [80] discovered that women's empowerment improves self-provisioning at the local level. With a rise in the number of women per family, technical level, and educational level, species variety and richness in the gardens expanded.…”

“…With a rise in the number of women per family, technical level, and educational level, species variety and richness in the gardens expanded. It has a substantial negative association with the family's wealth [80].…”