A new United Nations report says governments across Latin America and the Caribbean can significantly boost food security by purchasing more food directly from local smallholder farmers.
The study—released by WFP, FAO and ECLAC—finds that small farmers make up 81 percent of agricultural producers but struggle with low productivity, limited markets and climate impacts.
By directing public food budgets toward this sector, countries can raise farmer incomes by over 100 percent, increase women’s participation, and even generate hundreds of jobs per million dollars invested.
FAO, WFP and ECLAC officials say local procurement improves nutrition, strengthens rural economies, and delivers fresher, more diverse foods to communities—offering a cost-effective path to reducing hunger and poverty in the region.
