Assessment of Food and Nutrition Insecurity using Food Consumption Data in Central Sudan

Abstract

This study aims to assess the food and nutrition insecurity among different income quintiles in Central Sudan. Particularly, it seeks to determine the level of dietary energy consumption (DEC) and other macronutrients intake. In addition, it estimates the Engel ratios and income elasticity of food demand. A sample of about 668 households was selected from Khartoum State to collect the primary data during the year 2017. Primary data was collected through two types of questionnaires, the structured household questionnaire, and the 24-hour food recall questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and One-way ANOVA Table. The outcomes prove that income contributes extensively to DEC as well as intakes of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The households in the lowest income quintile spend a high monetary value to purchase foods when compared with households in other income quintiles. The Engel ratios exhibit that the share of food consumption from the total income for the lowest income quintile is about 62%, which is higher relative to the highest income quintile (43.6%). In addition, Engel ratios varies significantly among the income quintiles at level 1%. The income elasticity of food demand in dietary energy consumption is higher for the lowest income quintile (0.49) than the highest income quintile (0.23). This indicates that a little increase in income will contribute significantly to better nutritional status for the lowest income quintile. Eventually, the paper recommends improving income earnings through income-based policies to reduce the level of food deprivation. The government should adopt specific market policies that focus on the low-income level to enhance access to nutritious foods.