Food security in Latin America.

Although the nutrition situation in most Latin American countries is improving and malnutrition is easing, worrisome factors are emerging. Huge rural-to-urban migrations have been accompanied by a worsening nutrition situation in rural populations, especially in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil, a phenomenon not readily apparent from average food availability and malnutrition data. Average figures can also mask the severe nutrition problems that persist in four densely populated areas: the Caribbean Islands, Central America, the Andean region, and parts of Brazil. Although globalization is improving the nutritional status of many population groups in Latin America, it is also creating new pressures. Latin American countries dependent on agriculture are especially vulnerable.