Work

Dollarization and food system change: hunger, environment, and dietary shifts in Colombian-Venezuelan border communities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This longitudinal study tracked 200 households across Colombia–Venezuela border cities (2023-2025) to examine how informal dollarization reshapes food consumption patterns. Using difference-in-differences, propensity score matching, and hierarchical modeling, results showed dollar-exposed households increased processed food consumption (+1.86 servings/week, p = 0.004) and imported foods (+2.14 servings/week, p = 0.003) while reducing traditional regional foods (−0.75 servings/week, p = 0.048). Dollar access improved food security but decreased dietary diversity and increased environmental footprint through higher carbon emissions and packaging waste. Findings reveal how currency composition creates new pathways of nutrition transition, weakening local food systems while improving hunger prevention in economically volatile border regions.

Source: Development Studies Research

DOI: 10.1080/21665095.2025.2536034

Authors: Mario de la Puente, Jose Torres, Hernan Guzman, Heidy Rico Fontalvo, Tatiana Londoño Ochoa

Institutions: Universidad del Norte, University of Sucre, University of Cartagena

Language: English

Topic: Economics of Agriculture and Food Markets

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $969