Food Security and Welfare of Inpari Nutri Zinc Rice Farmers in Stunting-Prone Areas of Kulon Progo Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Biofortified rice has been promoted to improve nutrition-sensitive farming in rural areas where people don't have enough food and are malnourished, including stunting. Inpari IR Nutri Zinc rice was brought to dryland areas of Kulon Progo Regency, Indonesia, where stunting is common, with the hope that it would make food more secure for families and improve the lives of farmers. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted involving 125 Inpari IR Nutri Zinc farmers selected using a census approach. Household food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), while household welfare status was examined through multinomial logistic regression analysis. The results show that most farm households are moderately food insecure, indicating they remain at risk despite having started using biofortified rice technology. Income and spending on food at home have a significant effect on both food security and welfare. The results of this study indicate that relying solely on biofortified rice does not automatically improve the well-being of households. To achieve this, they need to employ alternative strategies that increase income and diversify their livelihoods. Therefore, biofortification programs should be part of larger plans to strengthen rural areas in dryland regions where stunting is common. This will help the food system stay stable.