The evolution of Nicaragua’s rural food system from 1970 to 2023 and pathways to sustainability

Abstract

The Nicaraguan rural food system has undergone various changes, ranging from a radical revolution to the liberalization of the food system. This thesis analyzes the evolution of policies and how this evolution has impacted the Nicaraguan food systems. The thesis examines four distinct political periods: before the Sandinista revolution (1970-1980), during the Sandinista revolution (1980-1990), the neoliberal period (1990-2006), and the return of Daniel Ortega (2006-2023). To analyze these periods, the thesis employs the food regime and food movement framework developed by Holt Gimenez and Shattuck (2011). Additionally, the thesis explores potential measures to achieve sustainability in the current Nicaraguan food system, with a focus on socio-economic and environmental factors. The findings indicate that none of the four periods analyzed in this thesis have resulted in sustainable outcomes that ensure food security for the Nicaraguan population. Urgent action is needed to invest in measures that particularly focus on women's empowerment, climate change adaptation strategies, land access policies, and trade regulations. These findings underscore the necessity for a sincere dialogue among different stakeholders in Nicaragua, including smallholder farmers, public institutions, the private sector, and civil society. This dialogue should aim to establish an agricultural development strategy that benefits vulnerable populations and poor communities in rural areas of Nicaragua.