This article evaluates the factors associated with food insecurity among Venezuelan migrants in Peru.
The analysis is based on data from the 2022 Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru Survey (ENPOVE-2022). The survey covered households in eight cities most populated by Venezuelan migrants in Peru (Lima and Callao, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Chimbote, Ica, Piura, Tumbes, and Trujillo). The survey included questions on housing, household and individual characteristics, migration status, health, education, employment, discrimination, gender, and victimization.
Main findings:
- The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity was 37 percent, 31 percent, and 11 percent, respectively.
- Factors associated with mild food insecurity were being between 35 and 44 years old, having secondary education, being unemployed, residing in Ica, and having resided in Peru for 6 months or less.
- Factors associated with moderate food insecurity were being aged between 25 and 44 years, having no formal education or secondary education, being unemployed, living in a dwelling with two or more people, being uninsured, having one or more chronic disease, having illegal status, residing in Peru for 6 months or less, and self-reported experiences of discrimination.
- Factors associated with severe food insecurity were having secondary education, being unemployed, being never married, residing in Tumbes, being uninsured, having one or more chronic disease, illegal status, and self-reported experiences of discrimination.
The authors conclude that there are high rates of food insecurity among Venezuelan migrants in Peru; four out of ten Venezuelan migrants presented moderate to severe food insecurity in 2022. Several socio-demographic, health status and migratory characteristics are associated with food insecurity. The authors recommend multisectoral interventions to address the identified determinants of food insecurity among Venezuelan migrants in Peru.