Food security in times of COVID-19 - A study of access in homes in the Riobamba canton, Ecuador

Abstract

In the health emergency caused by COVID-19, several economic and social problems arose, especially in food security. The research aims to determine the most important factors that limited access to food during this health emergency in the canton of Riobamba, Ecuador. For this determination, primary sources of information were used through a survey directed to 244 families from a population of 65,853 families. The questionnaire was prepared with dichotomous, structured and Likert scale questions. Secondary information was also used through the consultation of documents from organizations linked to the management and administration of the health crisis, such as the municipality and health centers, as well as the literature related to the phenomenon of study. The survey results show that household spending on food is low and does not cover the price of the basic basket. Families said they had great difficulty in accessing food, which was related to logistics, means of transport and payment methods. Another important factor was unemployment, which was a very strong limitation in accessing food, along with the fear of contagion when purchasing food. To test the hypothesis, a multiple linear regression model was used that allowed the determination of the main variables associated with the limitations of food security. In conclusion, the research determined that logistics, family income, unemployment, product prices, and psychological factors were the most important aspects that limit access to food in the context of COVID-19.