Food Security in Cuba: A Comparison of TRDs, Bodegas, and Agricultural Markets

Abstract

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba entered a period of economic hardship known as the Special Period in Times of Peace.  Since then, changes in Cuba’s food policy have reflected a shift away from strictly regulated food rationing to a mixed system including the libreta system or rationing as well as agricultural markets and stores using convertible pesos (TRDs).  This system has lead to overall greater food security but also greater disparities in food accessibility.  This study reviews and analyses food prices in bodegas, agricultural markets, and TRDs in several municipalities in Cuba. Most of the food items found in the TRDs were unavailable in bodegas and agricultural markets.  This confirmed a trend in which more food items are becoming available only in TRDs.  In addition, TRDs only accepted converted pesos (CUCs) as opposed to national pesos (CUPs), creating a disparity between those with access to the tourism industry and those who do not.  While food availability is greater than it was in the early 1990’s, there are still issues surrounding food access for those without access to CUCs, linking food security to the tourism industry in Cuba.  However, policy changes regarding currency unification and changes regarding the libreta system will impact food security issues in the future.