Social-ecological interactions in a disaster context: Puerto Rican farmer households' food security after Hurricane Maria

Description:

Islands are especially vulnerable to extreme weather events and food insecurity, and face additional challenges due to their limited land areas and economies, their isolation, colonial legacies and high dependence on food imports. Local farmers play a crucial role in producing food for island communities such as Puerto Rico, which can guarantee food security when importing becomes difficult. However, in disaster settings, farmers themselves may be affected by food insecurity and unable to supply domestic markets. This study examines the food security of Puerto Rican farmers' homes after Hurricane Maria in 2017, from a socio-ecological perspective. Data from a survey applied to 405 farmers eight months after the hurricane hit were analyzed, together with biophysical data related to its impacts (winds, rains and landslides). Overall, 69% of farmers experienced at least one month of food insecurity after Maria, and 38% reported persistent insecurity (three months or more). A multinomial logistic regression model suggests that biophysical impacts, but especially social factors such as age and restricted access to external sources of support, are linked to persistent food insecurity. This indicates that the biophysical effects of the hurricane interact with existing infrastructure and social resources, affecting farmers' vulnerability and the food environment in different ways. Therefore, strengthening adaptive capacity in various areas can help farmers and vulnerable populations to better face disruptions caused by disasters and mitigate food insecurity.

Objective:

To analyze the interaction between the biophysical impacts of Hurricane Maria and social factors (such as age and access to external support) that influenced persistent food insecurity in Puerto Rican farmers' homes.

Main Variables
small island developing states, food insecurity, extreme weather events, vulnerability, capacity to adapt
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Reference Population:
Puerto Rican farmers' homes
Product:
Social-ecological interactions in a disaster context: Puerto Rican farmer households’ food security after Hurricane Maria
History:
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