Estimation and Validation of Adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale in Lahore – Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose: Food insecurity is not only the problem of all developing countries but developed countries are also facing this issue especially after COVID-19. Food security is the combination of food availability, accessibility and utilization. However, the food accessibility is associated with household income and wealth. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) developed by USAID is a tool for measuring prevalence of food insecurity. HFIAS treats food insecurity as a condition that can be identified and measured by experiences and behavioral responses that appear to be common for low income households. Current study is meant for the estimation and validation of HFIAS in the context of Pakistan, and to look for the relationship between food insecurity and socio-economic characteristics of the community. Methodology: A dedicated survey was conducted in Peri-urban areas of Lahore district from January to February, 2021. Responses from 316 households were recorded on a structured questionnaire which was adapted from HFIAS due to cultural context and socio economic conditions.  Findings: Results showed that 30.2% of the households were food secure whereas 22.3% were mildly food insecure, 40.2% were moderately food insecure and 7.3% were severely food insecure. HFIAS was found to have good internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.684). Policy Implication: HFIAS is a valid and reliable tool to measure the food accessibility at the household level in Pakistan.