Situational diagnosis as a tool for implementation of Food and Nutritional Security System

Abstract

Introduction: To ensure the human right to adequate food, the implementation of public policies becomes complex and dynamic, and it is important to use tools that assist this process. Objective: To describe the performance of a situational diagnosis as a tool for implementing a food and nutrition security system at the municipal level. Methods: A case study was conducted in a municipality in Sergipe with municipal public managers representing departments related to the topic, and municipal councilors. Qualitative primary data were used, obtained through recorded and transcribed interviews, regarding the interviewees' perception of aspects of the topic and the existence of structures for this purpose. Secondary data consisted of documentary research in official sources to collect quantitative information based on pre-existing indicators proposed by the National Council for Food and Nutrition Security, namely: food production and availability; family income and expenses with food; access to adequate food; health and access to health services; and education. Content analysis and descriptive statistical analyses were applied. Results: The situational diagnosis identified the absence of basic requirements for adherence to the National Food and Nutrition Security System, such as municipal law and interministerial chamber for food and nutrition security; weaknesses and proposals for implementing the system in the municipality under study were also identified. Conclusion: The data collected allowed the preparation of a situational diagnosis, which can be used as a tool for preparing diagnoses in different realities.