The Republic of Uruguay is the second-smallest South American country. It is bordered by Argentina and Brazil, with a 410-mile coastline on the South Atlantic Ocean. Its 3.4 million population is 96% urban, with almost half living in or around the capital of Montevideo on the country’s southern coast. Uruguay is a high-income country and home to South America’s largest middle class. 

Hunger in Uruguay is Very Low

The 2024 Global Hunger Index designates hunger in Uruguay as Low, with a score of less than 5. This score has been consistently low, trending downward since 2000 when it was 7.6, and dropping below 5 beginning in 2016. The country is “very low” on all four component indicators: undernourishment (<2.5%), child mortality (0.7%) and child wasting (1.3%), with its highest indicator being child stunting (9.1%). 

The most recent Global Nutrition Report’s 13-target profile shows Uruguay as “on course” for childhood stunting and wasting, and overweight, as well as for elevated blood pressure for men and women, with “some progress” on low birthweight. However, it is “off course” for obesity, diabetes and sodium intake for both men and women. Anemia among women of childbearing age has made no progress or is worsening, with a steady increase since 2010, and is significantly higher for pregnant women. 

Poverty

Although Uruguay has one of the lowest poverty rates in the region (0.1% International Poverty Line, 10.1% National Poverty Line), child poverty is still twice the national average. In addition, 18.9% of the population suffers from multidimensional poverty, deprived of education, housing, basic services, social protection and employment. 

Food Security Strengths and Challenges

Food insecurity is related to both hunger and nutrition. Despite its excellent economy, there are still Uruguayans who experience moderate or severe food insecurity. Food insecurity was reported in 2023 to affect approximately 15% of households, primarily those with children and adolescents. Food insecurity became more visible during the economic stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The 2022 Global Food Security Index breaks down the nature of Uruguay’s food insecurity as follows: 

• Sustainability and adaptation: 65.8 (rank 21)
• Availability: 65.6 (rank 29)
• Quality and safety: 73.8 (rank 40)
• Affordability: 80.0 (rank 45)

​​The country’s strengths are disaster risk management, policy commitments regarding food security and access and food safety legislation and mechanisms, along with low poverty and the presence and nature of food safety-net programs. Challenges are average food costs, dietary diversity, farm infrastructure and ocean and land “health.”

Food Self-Sufficiency

The nature of Uruguay’s farmland (flat and fertile) is the basis of its food self-sufficiency ability, as is the fact that it is one of the largest exporters of grains, soybeans and beef. In addition, there is the presence of strategies such as frequent crop rotations, government policies focused on healthy soil and animals, and satellite imagery that pinpoints higher-risk erosion areas so responsible farmers can take corrective action. 

With a cow population four times the size of its human population, legislation prohibiting the use of antibiotics and hormones in cattle promotes both human health and animal welfare. Farming biotechnologies, for example, genome sequencing, enhances product quality. Cold tanks, mandatory pasteurization at the industrial level and measures to lower the risk of contaminants have improved the quality of its dairy products, 70% of which are exported. The country’s attention to both safety and food system innovation has made it “a top competitor for the most food-self-sufficient countries in the world.” 

The Future

Uruguay demonstrates how strategic agricultural practices, robust public policies and a strong commitment to social welfare can address hunger and support self-sufficiency. However, while it is one of the world’s most food-secure nations, it faces challenges such as obesity, child poverty and uneven nutrition outcomes, especially among women and children. As Uruguay continues to build on its strengths, it models valuable lessons for other nations striving to balance food availability, affordability and nutritional well-being.

– Staff Reports

Photo: Wikimedia Commons