An Analysis of Food Insecurity in Pakistan: Prevalence of Undernourishment (PoU) and Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)

Abstract

This study covers only SDG target 2.1 (2.1.1-Prevalance of Undernourishment and 2.1.2-Food Insecurity Experience Scale). Though FAO is the custodian organization for estimating these targets across the globe, however, it is the first ever attempt for estimating these targets by PARC-MNFS&R. HIES data for the year 2018-19 has been used for estimation of these targets and compared with the results of HIES-2015-16 estimated by FAO. According to the results 18.38 percent households are undernourished in Pakistan and this situation is worse in urban areas (23.43%) compared with rural areas (16.61%). Punjab has highest proportion of undernourished individuals/households with 21.48 percent followed by Sindh province with 17.40 percent households. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has the lowest proportion of 12.67 percent and Baluchistan with 16.95 percent households. National level results of FIES supports the results of PoU except urban/rural order. According to FIES results, about 16 percent of the households (individuals) are moderate and/or severe food insecure with more than 02 percent as severe food insecure in Pakistan. Sindh province shows highest proportion with more than 19 percent followed by KP province with nearly 17 percent households as moderate and severe food insecure.  However, highest proportions of more than 03 percent households were found as severe food insecure in Punjab province. In conclusion Pakistan has shown tremendous achievements towards the Zero Hunger Targets by 2030, however, more efforts are needed for sustainable agriculture and food system in order to address the food insecurity level through better access and availability of food. Awareness campaign about healthy and nutritious food intake, and measures for adoption of dietary guidelines are recommended for preventing undernourishment.