An analysis of the food and nutrition situation in the Commonwealth Caribbean and the role of the CFNI in this nutritional environment

ABSTRACT

The paper analyses the nutritional environment in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The differences in economic growth and the detrimental social consequences of those countries experiencing negative growth, are used to demonstrate the differing scenarios existing in the area. All countries under review have for a prolonged period showed low domestic food production, and incurred large food import bills. Within this environment, household food production is unstable and very vulnerable especially for the poor segments of society. Coping mechanisms employed by the government and people have maintained an adequate supply of energy-rich foods so that energy-protein malnutrition has slowly and steadily declined in most countries. However, an analysis of the available foods (using the most recent FAO data) point to a deficiency of complex carbohydrates, an overabundance of simple sugars and animal foods. From observation, the animal products tend to be very fatty. Coincidentally, the countries are experiencing an epidemic of the chronic nutrition-related diseases, e.g. cerebrovascular and ischemic heart diseases and diabetes mellitus of adult onset (AU)