Climate Change and Food Security in the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region: Evidence and Challenges for Nutritional Resilience

Abstract

Climate change represents a growing challenge to ensuring Food and Nutrition Security (FNS), particularly in regions marked by socio-environmental vulnerabilities, such as the Brazilian Semi-arid region. This study aimed to analyze, through an integrative literature review, how climate variability has influenced FNS in this territory. The review followed the methodological steps proposed by Whittemore and Knafl, with the guiding question structured according to the PICo strategy. Searches were conducted in the BVS, SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications from the past ten years. The selection process was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, resulting in the inclusion of 13 studies. The analysis showed that climate variability affects all four dimensions of FNS. Food availability is compromised by reduced agricultural productivity and lower food supply. Access becomes more limited due to household income loss, rising food prices, and weaknesses in water resource management. Utilization is affected by decreased dietary diversity and declining water quality, while stability is threatened by recurrent droughts, discontinuity of public policies, and migration processes that undermine local livelihoods. Qualitative studies predominated and were mostly classified as level 3.c according to the Joanna Briggs Institute hierarchy of evidence, indicating the need for more robust research designs. The findings suggest that climate change intensifies pre-existing socio-environmental vulnerabilities in the Semi-arid region, requiring integrated adaptation strategies, strengthened family farming, continuous social protection policies, and the expansion of applied research linking climate, food production, and nutrition to support actions aimed at promoting resilience and ensuring the Human Right to Adequate Food.