Spanish
The chief economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Máximo Torero, highlighted that in the Dominican Republic, undernourishment decreased from 8.7% in 2019 to 3.6% in 2025, placing it below the regional average.
Similarly, Torero highlighted that real labor income has grown above inflation, which has allowed maintaining and strengthening the purchasing power of citizens. According to what was presented, this progress responds to the policies implemented in terms of salary increases, accompanied by social protection programs and improvements in agricultural production.
In his report, Torero indicated that food inflation in the country has shown a smaller gap compared to general inflation, and even, in the most recent period, has decreased faster. This combination with the rise in real wages has allowed the Dominican population to better face the increase in global food prices, guaranteeing greater access to healthy diets and a sustained reduction in food insecurity.
Reducing undernutrition is a great achievement
During his speech at the Regional Dialogue on Food and Water Security: "A Hand in Hand Agenda", held at the Convention Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), President Abinader stated that the reduction of the undernourishment rate to 3.6% in 2025 encourages continued coordination with all government institutions.
"Lowering to 3.6 in undernutrition, the truth is that it is an important achievement, it is a great achievement. When we received it at 8.7, that did not decrease in general terms due to the pandemic that really affected," indicated the Head of State.
The president recalled the weekly meetings he holds with the "Zero Hunger Cabinet," which includes the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE), the Economic Dining Halls, and the Social Cabinet, where actions are coordinated to guarantee the population's food supply.
President Abinader also highlighted the quadrupling of the Economic Dining Halls, the significant increase in school meals through the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE), and the improvement of workers' real wages.
Strengthening the field has been key
For his part, the Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruz, emphasized the role of the agricultural sector in the achievements, highlighting that the strengthening of the countryside has been key to reducing hunger in the Dominican Republic. He also pointed out that productivity has been boosted, small producers have been supported, and sustainable practices have been promoted, making the country a regional benchmark.
The agenda included two high-level panels: the first focused on the "Hand in Hand" Initiative to accelerate the transformation of agri-food systems, and the second on an exchange of experiences on reducing hunger and poverty.
The event was attended by Lucrecia Rodríguez, from SICA; Manuel Torres, from BCIE; Francisco Bueso, from the World Bank; Mario González, from the IDB; Luis Felipe Barrantes, from the Social Aid Institute of Costa Rica; Adriana Telles, from CGSAN, among other important officials from the central government, the private sector, and civil society.
The Dialogue concluded with a call to strengthen regional cooperation and to work jointly between governments, multilateral organizations, and civil society, with the aim of guaranteeing the right to food and sustainable access to water in the region.
