Social Security Payments Buffer Food Insecurity in Indigenous Forager-Farmers of the Bolivian Amazon

In urbanized contexts, social security spending mitigates food insecurity. In rural, subsistence-oriented populations with increasing market access, food insecurity is prevalent and acculturation may lead to access to institutional social security benefits and erosion of traditional elder roles. Bolivian government payout programs, like BONOSOL and Renta Dignidad, give older adults with IDs a fixed, reliable income and purchasing power. This study tests the association between food insecurity and benefits received, in light of spending patterns of Moseten and Tsimane elders (n=577). Findings indicate the majority of money was spent on food, consistent with a high burden of food insecurity in these Indigenous communities. Linear regression models reveal greater food insecurity associated with less total money received, but a higher proportion of money spent on food. This study highlights the protective effect of social benefits on food insecurity in a changing subsistence economy.