COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND FOOD INSECURITY: A CASE STUDY OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Food insecurity is becoming one of the most challenging phenomena of recent times. It is considered a global challenge, especially in developing countries. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the food insecurity issue raised rapidly. Although the government and other institutes worked exceptionally hard to overcome this problem, the pandemic created a negative impact on it. Food security is directly and positively related to the well-being of individuals. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to emphasize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food insecurity of Pakistan. To fulfill the objective of this research, the Special Survey for Evaluating Socio-Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Well-being of People is used - conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in 2020. The study employs the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) technique for evaluating the objective of this research. The study also constructed a food insecurity index through Principal Component Index. The finding of the study shows a positive and significant impact of wages before COVID-19 on food security whereas; wages during COVID-19 have a negative impact. Employment before and during COVID-19 are statistically significant. Cash assistance during COVID-19 is positive and significant with food insecurity. Based on the finding the study suggested that, although the government of Pakistan Ehsaas Programme working well during the pandemic period it’s high time to address current food insecurities issues. The government needs to go beyond merely observing food insecurities to cope with the increasing vulnerability and confront food insecurities.