Nutrition in Haiti: Evidence from the Haiti Household Expenditure and Consumption Survey

The conditions of widespread hunger and continuing food deficits dominate Haiti\u27s food and agricultural situation. A 1986-87 nationwide survey of household expenditure and food consumption provides new evidence on food sources of energy and protein, and the adequacy of diets in Haiti. The survey data document the importance of cereals and vegetables in supplying food energy and protein. Starchy roots were relatively more important to energy intake in rural areas than urban areas. Rice, bread, oil, and green and dried peas were important food items in contributing to food energy and protein (except for oil). Nearly 50 percent of household members had less than 75 percent of recommended levels of food energy intake; 36 percent had less than 75 percent of the recommended dietary allowance for protein. The most severe nutritional problems appear in rural areas and in the northern region