Standard methodology used to determine SVG’s rate of undernourishment – FAO

The methodology used to determine that this country was successful, over the last 20 years, in reducing the number of undernourished persons by more than half, is the standard used in almost 190 countries around the world.{{more}}

This was disclosed by Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Jose Graziano daSilva, who was at the time, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday.

“Basically it’s a methodology that takes into consideration what is provided in the country for their population related to food,” the director general said as he spoke at Cabinet Room.

He said that the data collected is made up of a combination of information provided by the government.

“And what we do, is estimate the amount of food that is produced in the country, how much is imported and how much is exported…this brings us to a per capita,” da Silva explained.

The income and well-being of the citizens with regard to access to nutrients and micro-vitamins are also taken into consideration.

In June, St Vincent and the Grenadines was officially recognized by the FAO for being one of 18 countries worldwide to attain the World Food Summit’s target of having reduced by more than half, the number of undernourished people.

It was also recognized for being one of 38 countries to have attained Millennium Development Goal One of also having reduced the prevalence of undernourishment by 50 per cent or more compared to the level of 1990/92, or reducing it to below five per cent. (DD)