Are Low-Income Households in Sri Lanka Adequately Food Secure? An Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to the Rural Sector in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study estimates the prevalence of food insecurity and coping mechanisms among low-income rural households in Sri Lanka, collecting primary data from 400 households in the Ayagama Divisional Secretariat in Rathnapura District. The results uncover that around 38.1% of the households faced food scarcity within a year prior to the survey date, with 77.9% being uncertain about maintaining a nutritious diet in the next 30 days. Notably, household dietary diversity scores reveal that they are either moderately (62%) or severely (22.3%) lacking essential nutrients, irrespective of the gender of the household head. The leading cause is the unaffordability of protein-rich foods and certain fruits. Coping strategies are primarily short-term and consumption-based, such as purchasing food on credit and reducing meal sizes, which propagate future food insecurity. The findings underscore the need for government interventions that combine short-term safety nets with long-term agricultural productivity improvements, alongside nutrition-sensitive practices and market stabilisation to enhance food availability and affordability. Consequently, targeted social protection programmes for vulnerable groups, combined with livelihood support and climate-resilient agriculture, could reduce reliance on harmful coping mechanisms. Lastly, this study proposes integrating food security goals within broader development frameworks and community initiatives as pivotal for long-term stability and resilience.