Investigating Relationship of Food Security with Market Approachability with respect to Household Food Insecurity Access Index

Abstract

Globally rural households with less landholding, especially from developing countries, are more food insecure due to a lack of resources accessibility and fewer marketplaces. This study was planned to inspect the relationship between household food security and market approachability concerning Household Food Insecurity Access Index (HFIAS). For data collection, 200 farming households from five districts (Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Rawalpindi, Rahim Yar Khan and Mianwali) from five agro-ecological zones of Punjab were selected as respondents. So, the results can be comprehensive and widespread at the provincial level.  Interviews with household heads were conducted with the help of a well-structured and pre-tested interview questionnaire. Food security was calculated with the help of the household food insecurity access score, which calculates food intake for one month and indicates the level of food security based on food consumption during the last thirty days. According to research findings of 46 percent are severely food insecure, and the main reason behind so much food insecurity is rising food prices, increasing fuel prices, transportation costs, lack of agricultural input, and very few marketplaces. Binary logistic regression shows that landholding, earning hands in family, and the distance of farm from the market have a significant effect on the food security status of the family. As the distance of farm from market place increases labour costs, transportation costs, and fuel charges that affect household livelihood inversely. The results suggest that local food security can be enhanced by creating off-farm employment opportunities, improved transportation facilities, and road infrastructure.