Variations in food security status and associated factors: a comparative study across rural-urban interface in north...

The paper makes an attempt to analyze the food consumption pattern, food security status, and factors influencing food security. The study revealed that, among different items of consumption, the use of cereals was higher among the households across the gradients. Rural households derived most of their calorie from cereals. Across rural-urban interface, total consumption was relatively higher in urban area (38.44 kg/CU/month) followed by transition and rural areas. The total energy derived from the consumption of different food items was the highest in urban area (2491.90 Kcal/capita/day) followed by transition (2415.82 Kcal/capita/day) and rural area (2383.28 Kcal/capita/day). The households residing in urban area showed higher Simpson Index of Dietary Diversity (0.81) followed by transition (0.80) and rural (0.77) areas. The percentage of food secure households was highest in urban areas (76.25%) followed by transition (63.75%) and rural (58.75%) areas. Regression analysis revealed that education, monthly income of the sample households, and their localization in urban area were significant determinants of food security. The study concludes the prevalence of food insecurity and suggested the need for strengthening existing food security programmes, besides creating awareness among households to move toward balanced diet by diversifying their production, income, and consumption pattern.