Food Security and Factors Influencing Food and Calorie Intake Across the Rural–Urban Interface of Bengaluru

Abstract

India is experiencing a puzzling contradiction of food and nutritional insecurity as measured by calorie intake, despite its impressive economic growth. This study quantifies the food and calorie intake to analyse the status of food security and factors influencing it along the rural–urban interface of Bengaluru. It uses primary data from 1275 households in two research transects. The Food Security Index was employed to assess the status of food security. The dietary profile of the households showed that most of the calorie intake was obtained from the consumption of cereals followed by edible oils, milk and milk products, but intake of calories varied significantly along the rural–urban gradient. The factors influencing food and calorie intake were analysed by multiple linear regression. Landholding and per capita income were significantly and positively influencing the status of food security, whereas family size showed a negative influence. Education, family size and landholding had a significant influence on food and calorie intake. Urban households were more food secure, followed by transitional and rural households. In order to increase food security of the rural and transitional households, the existing food security programmes need to be strengthened further.