Food and nutritional security of semi-arid farm families benefiting from rainwater collection equipment in Brazil

The objective of this study was to identify and describe the experience of family farmers and their respective families after using the Boardwalk Cistern rainwater collection system and consequent impacts on nutrition profile and food security. This is a qualitative-quantitative study conducted in two municipalities in the semi-arid region of the state of Alagoas, northeastern Brazil. A structured questionnaire was applied to collect information on demographic and socioeconomic status and household access to food, based on the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale of 29 family farmers’ households. Food intake was assessed by food intake markers of the Ministry of Health, while nutritional status was determined by measuring the weight and height of all family members and waist circumference of adults. Nutrition diagnosis was performed using the cutoff points of body mass index for age. Three focus groups were conducted, and the information collected was analyzed through Content Analysis with the aim of knowing the participants' perception of the effects of the received water equipment. The study showed a high prevalence of excess weight (52.7%) and high risk for cardiovascular diseases (35.9%) marked by a high salt and sugar in the food intake. Food Insecurity Scale showed that food insecurity is a problem occurring in 75% of these families. However, focus groups showed that families have a positive perception of Boardwalk Cisterns for their food security. They believe that agricultural production has improved, thereby offering a wider range of foods and, consequently, improving food security. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of water access programs for food production within public policies to guarantee FNS.