O Conselho de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional do estado do Ceará: um estudo de caso

Abstract

The Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) is a human right legally recognized in Brazil by the Organic Law of Food and Nutrition Security. Since it passed in 2006, it allows the FNS councils to suggest directories for public policies associated to the society and to the government granting this right to all citizens. This paper characterizes the Food and Nutrition Security Council of the State of Ceará (CONSEA/CE) during two terms of office between 2003 and 2007. This places the council as a strategic space for planning integrated policies in FNS. The main objective was grasp the role of the CONSEA/CE in creating a state policy of FNS and its consolidation as a tool for converging many different opinions represented by government and the people. Therefore a case study was developed with qualitative approach, which was essentially descriptive. The population studied was composed of 17 councilors, five representatives of government and twelve citizens, with which semi-structured interviewed were conducted. Also, a documentary research was carried out with meeting minutes, related legislation at all state levels and the reports of national and state FNS conferences. Furthermore, a direct observation was done to understand the functioning dynamics of the CONSEA/CE. According to the investigation, this Council represents a manner for citizens to participate, by trying to coordinate the policies of different sectors of government and itself with the society. However, its greatest challenge is the fragility of the low institutionalization of the state policies of FNS.