Small-scale family famers’ perceptions of food security in their respective communities in la macarena meta, Columbia

The municipality of La Macarena, Meta, due to its biodiversity, has the natural conditions to guarantee food security to its inhabitants. However, a series of historical problems put it at risk, such as the presence of the guerrillas, the planting of illicit crops, extensive cattle ranching, the absence of the state, and the lack of planning for territorial development. This research study aimed to determine small-scale family famers’ perceptions of food security in their respective communities in La Macarena Meta. A qualitative research design was employed that allowed us to understand the productive dynamics of the rural community within the framework of its social, political and economic context. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 small-scale farmers and transcribed verbatim. Further, information from the social mapping exercise and social cartography was triangulated with the interview data. Findings show a predominance of family production systems based on extensive livestock farming, with some cases of agricultural crops. Despite the farmers opportunity to employ agricultural farming, the vast majority of participants purchase their fruits and vegetables and those who grow it experience challenges with marketing their production. This paradox may potentially be cultivated and guarantee food security to its inhabitants. With this, consideration needs to be given to the socio-political context influence farmers are subjected so that concerns are addressed according to their needs. In this sense, a differential approach is necessary that strengthens the farming community according to its context and creates the conditions for rural policy strategies.