Food security among the people living in rural Bangladesh: insights from the northern region of the country

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to explore the food security status among people living in rural Bangladesh. This paper draws on data collected during a field study conducted between September 15 and October 30, 2022. The study examines the 'Food Security Approach' developed by the Food and Agricultural Organization. This research investigated the current state of food availability, accessibility, utilization, and food stability among purposively selected informants in the study area. The study utilizes qualitative research tools, specifically in-depth interviews (IDIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). In total, 40 informants were chosen followed by purposive sampling and five FGDs were administered. It emerged that daily foodstuffs are not sufficiently available in nearby shops or markets to meet people's daily consumption needs. High food prices and transportation issues are meaningful indicators that shape whether food is accessible to consumers. A lack of a wide variety of dietary foods indicates the current state of food stability, while recent inflation and climatic factors such as drought and flash floods lead to food shortages. The research recommends that the government of Bangladesh (GoB) should upgrade social protection programs through Open Market Sales (OMS), and the informal sector to improve both people's consumption and production of food so that it is secured in the study area.

Keywords

• food availability
• accessibility
• utilization
• stability
• food security
• rural bangladesh.