Household Food Insecurity and Its Associated Factors in Punjab, India
Priyanka Sharma *
Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Kiran Grover
Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Sonika Sharma
Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Mohammed Javed
Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study was conducted to assess the household food security status and food consumption patterns of families in Punjab, India, and to determine the impact of socio-economic characteristics on their household food security status.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage random sampling technique.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the state of Punjab, located in the north-western region of India. It covered all phases of the research process, including planning, tool development, data collection, and statistical analysis. The entire study was carried out over a one-year period from January to December 2021.
Methodology: A total of 480 families were randomly selected from the three regions using multistage random sampling. Data on socio-economic characteristics were collected through personal interviews using a pre-structured schedule. The USDA 18-item Food Security Module was employed to assess household food security status.
Results: The findings revealed that 77% of households were food insecure, with 24% facing severe hunger. Most respondents (61%) belonged to the upper-lower socio-economic class, and 47% had a monthly income between Rs. 3,908–Rs. 11,707. Nuclear families (80%) and small-sized families (≤4 members) were more prevalent. Significant associations (P<0.01) were observed between food security and variables such as family size, type, income, socio-economic class, and food expenditure. Multiple regression analysis showed that income, food expenditure, socio-economic status, and food consumption explained 60.6% (R²=0.606, P<0.01) of the variation in food security. Strong correlations were also found between income and food security (r = 0.764), and food expenditure (r=0.709).
Conclusions: The study highlights the critical role of socio-economic factors in determining household food security and underscores the need for stronger, long-term government interventions to address food insecurity among underprivileged groups in Punjab. Household food insecurity was found to be significantly associated with income, socio-economic status, and food expenditure. Strengthening targeted nutrition policies, improving livelihood opportunities, and enhancing access to diverse, affordable foods are essential to mitigate food insecurity and its nutritional consequences.
Keywords: Food insecurity, food security, food consumption, food expenditure, socio-economic class