Food policy, nutrition intervention and economic development in Manaus, Amazon region, Brazil / Evaldice Eve.

Tese (M.S.) University College of Swansea, 1987

This dissertation evaluates the strengths and shortcomings of the operation and effectiveness of the PNAE child feeding programme in improving the nutritional status of pre-schoolchildren in the urban areas of Manaus, Amazonas, northern Brazil. The nutrition problems found are then analysed in a broad context of the national food policy, nutrition and economic development. The overall analysis includes: a) An overview of the PRONAN (National Food and Nutrition Policy) plan which is the government's reponse to the problem of malnutrition in Brazil. b)The question of land reform - an important issue in defining the national Food and Nutrition policy. c)The economic history of the region as it has affected food production and nutrition. Economic boom cycles appear to have had a paradoxically negative impact on these since the early years of colonisation. d)Perspectives for food production in the region - expecially using the neglected indigenous food croops. I believe that the indigenous food crops shoud be incorporated in a regional Food and Nutrition policy beause they are adapted to the local environment and are rich in nutrients deficient in the local diet. The need and opportunities for change in the Food and Nutrition policy and the implications of such change are discussed.