Spatial Analysis of Food Insecurity and Poverty in Pakistan: Evidence from Household Cross-Sectional Data

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between poverty and food insecurity in Pakistan using household level cross sectional data from 2018 to 2019. The analysis compares provincial and rural urban differences in food insecurity. Food insecurity remains a major socioeconomic challenge in Pakistan despite improvements in food production. Limited evidence exists on the relationship between poverty and household food access across provinces. The study uses a cross sectional quantitative design based on Household Integrated Economic Survey data for 24,809 households from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Food insecurity is measured using eight access based indicators from the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation is applied using income, expenditure, and income expenditure ratio as poverty proxies. Poverty significantly increases food insecurity. Provincial and rural urban disparities remain significant, with higher food insecurity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Food insecurity is mainly associated with limited food quality and access. Policies should improve household income stability, reduce food price pressures, and strengthen access to nutritious food.