Ecological Footprint of the National Capital Region Households: Bridging the Gap Between Nutrition and Environment
Michael E. Serafico*, Marilen M. Espinoza, Leah A. Perlas,
and Celeste C. Tanchoco
Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology
DOST Complex, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City,
Metro Manila, Philippines
corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABSTRACT
The impact/influence of environmental conditions on the nutritional status of the National Capital Region (NCR) households in the Philippines was studied. Ecological Footprint (EF), an indicator that measures how much nature is used to produce resources and to absorb wastes by means of existing technologies and thereby translates it in terms of land area, was utilized to assess each household’s consumption pattern. A questionnaire was prepared to obtain the data needed to utilize the EF worksheet developed by Wackernagel and Rees. Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to assess the nutritional status of the household members. Data on weight and height of each household member were taken from the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in 2008. The calculated EF of the NCR was 4.6666 global hectares per person (gha/person). Quezon City topped the list with 1.2048 gha/person while the only city living within the sustainable limits of its boundaries was Mandaluyong City with 0.4143 gha/person. The highest consumption category contributing to the total EF of all cities was the food category while pasture and arable lands topped the land-use components. About 60% of the participants lived within the city’s resources and 70% had normal BMI. A significant correlation was recognized between the nutritional status of the population studied and the environment in terms of EF. Household size was found to be a factor for both EF and nutritional status.
INTRODUCTION
As more developing countries like the Philippines are geared towards industrialization, the implementation of various activities requires drastic transformations in order to support the unstable economy. . . . . . . . . . . .
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