The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has just released their latest study on nutrition and food supply. According to the study, 26 percent of the Dominican population is undernourished and a substantial number suffer from serious nutritional deficiencies. Nonetheless, the FAO warns that these numbers might be even higher. The Dominican Republic is registered in a block of developing nations that have between 20 percent and 34 percent undernourishment in their populations. However, the study also points out that the situation is slightly better than the previous reporting period (1990-1992). The Dominican Republic is catalogued with Guatemala, Venezuela and Nicaragua, as well as Mali, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
In a somewhat related story, the Listin Diario reports that the National Planning Office (ONAPLAN) is recommending that the government focus its investment in the social sector towards those provinces with the highest levels of poverty: Elias Pi?a, Bahoruco, Monte Plata, El Seibo and Samana. Although different studies have produced different numbers over the years, it is apparent that in the latest study, ?Social Policy of the Dominican Government, Volume 1,?ONAPLAN has shown the border and the areas in the center of the country to be the poorest. Overall poverty is cited at 51.8% of the population. ONAPLAN uses the definitions of the Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL) to establish poverty and destitute levels, US$85.80 and US$42.90 dollars a month respectively.
