Is there a linkage between household welfare and income inequality, and food security to achieve sustainable development goals?

Abstract

In the present study, the association of household livelihood and income inequality with sustainable food security was assessed in the rural areas. We used a cross-sectional data and quantitative analysis to follow the main goal of the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews of a random sample of rural households. Food security status was assessed using HFIAS and FCS indexes, while household welfare was calculated by six indicators. Also, income inequality was measured using Theil, Atkinson, and FGT indexes. This study was implemented in Dowreh Chegeni county in Lorestan province in Iran. The questionnaires were completed by 201 households in the study location. The target sample consists of the households who are living permanently in the rural area. Of the total sample 40.79% were food secure, while about 13.4%, 14.4%, and 31.3% of the sampled households faced marginal, moderate, and severe food insecurity. All welfare indicators showed that degree of income inequality of the households in marginal and moderate categories was greater than other households. The results showed that household welfare is directly and significantly associated with food security. This suggests the wisdom of the government and the related organizations focusing on improving the welfare status of the households using different policies such as providing affordable houses for poor households, preparing long-term loans for the households to purchase their needed assets, and facilitating the purchase of livestock for the rural households to produce their needed foods.