Agribusiness possible threats to food security of a Kalunga Community

Abstract: This master's thesis explores the impact of agribusiness on food security in the Kalunga community of Engenho II, located in the Brazilian Cerrado. Agribusiness is a significant cause of water withdrawal and climate change in the region, with extensive lands converted into monocultures to export commodities. Secondary data were analyzed data to generate a picture of Brazilian industrial agriculture and establish interconnections between industrial agriculture and food security. In addition, semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore whether and how the connections between agribusiness and food security and possible threats apply to a particular community in the Cerrado. The study finds that the Kalunga community is not experiencing a threat to their food security, as they maintain agricultural production with no water-stressful situations, as well as their habit of eating local food. However, government policies and financial programs to support agricultural activities in the community come with agribusiness’ logic of farm mechanization, threatening the knowledge systems and practices of family farming. This can jeopardize food security in the future. The study suggests that continued research and action are necessary to address the challenges faced by traditional communities in Cerrado and ensure the preservation of their food security and overall well-being. The study also highlights the need for sustainable land use policies prioritizing communities' traditions. These findings have implications for policies and interventions to improve food security among Kalunga communities and other similar communities globally.