Determinants of household food security of paddy farmers in Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka

Krishnal Thirumarpan

doi:10.4038/tare.v17i3-4.5317

Abstract

Declining crop productivity and farm income in Sri Lanka forced rural households to adopt various coping mechanisms to mitigate the food insecurity status. This study aimed to analyze the paddy farmer’s coping behaviors, food security status and the determinants of food security. Food security was measured using coping strategies index and multinomial logistic regression was done to analyze the determinants of food security. Results revealed that, mean monthly income of the household was Rs. 13, 104.33. Almost all the households adopted various coping mechanisms. 30% of households were in food insecure condition. Multinomial logistic regression results revealed that family size, education level of the head of the household and total monthly income significantly influence the food security status. When household monthly income increases, the odds ratio to be food secure and moderately food secure increases by one. Considering the diversity of coping strategies employed in the study area, policy instruments should be designed to improve the income level coupled with proper education and thereby to improve the food security status among rural household in Batticaloa district.

Highlights

Introduction. Sri Lanka’s preferred staple food is rice and it provides an average of 45% total calorie and 40% total protein requirement of an average Sri Lankan and plays a significant role in stabilizing food security in the country (Department of Agriculture, 2013)
Multinomial logistic regression results revealed that family size, education level of the head of the household and total monthly income significantly influence the food security status
Considering the diversity of coping strategies employed in the study area, policy instruments should be designed to improve the income level coupled with proper education and thereby to improve the food security status among rural household in Batticaloa district

Summary

Introduction

. Sri Lanka’s preferred staple food is rice and it provides an average of 45% total calorie and 40% total protein requirement of an average Sri Lankan and plays a significant role in stabilizing food security in the country (Department of Agriculture, 2013). It is one of the major staples, which can provide a nation’s population with the nationally required food security minimum of 2,400 calories per person per day (FAO, 2000). If the same food preferences and the composition of the diet continues, increased availability and accessibility to rice, wheat flour and fish appears to be the shortest way to improve food

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Conclusion