Food insecurity in Pakistan: causes and solutions

LAHORE: Food insecurity in Pakistan is driven less by production shortages and more by unequal distribution and inefficiencies in the food system. Food insecurity occurs when individuals or households lack consistent access to sufficient nutritious food for a healthy, active life.

The root causes of food insecurity include poverty, inefficient food distribution systems, natural disasters, and conflicts -- all of which have plagued Pakistan. This insecurity manifests as hunger, undernutrition, and malnutrition. Currently, approximately 36 per cent of Pakistan’s population experiences food insecurity.

The issue has worsened due to rising inflation, economic instability and climate change, especially in the form of floods and droughts that disrupt crop production. Although Pakistan produces enough food, such as wheat and rice, to meet its population’s needs, poverty, inequality and wastage contribute significantly to food insecurity. The floods of 2022 further exacerbated the situation by severely impacting agricultural output.

While the country produces enough staples to meet domestic demand, many cannot afford sufficient food due to poverty. Additionally, inefficiencies in storage and supply chains lead to significant post-harvest losses. Natural disasters like floods and droughts further disrupt food access and distribution in specific regions.

Food wastage is another critical issue, especially among wealthier households in urban areas. While precise data on post-cooking food waste in Pakistan is limited, global estimates suggest that about one-third of all food produced is wasted, with households and the food service sector as major contributors.

To reduce food waste, the Pakistani government should launch awareness campaigns to educate the public about its consequences. Simple behavioural changes, such as buying only what is needed, planning meals effectively, and storing leftovers properly, can help minimize waste.

Other countries in the region also face food insecurity, though to varying extents. India, for example, has made significant strides in food production and is a top producer of cereals, pulses, and milk. However, food insecurity remains prevalent due to poverty and unequal distribution. According to the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India ranks poorly, with persistent malnutrition. While India’s public distribution system (PDS) has helped alleviate some of the food insecurity challenges, inefficiencies, corruption, and logistical issues hinder its full effectiveness. The Covid-19 pandemic further deepened food insecurity in India due to widespread income losses.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, has seen improvements in food security over the past few decades, mainly due to increased rice production and effective government policies. Despite this progress, about 15 per cent of the population still faces food insecurity, particularly in rural areas where poverty is more prevalent. Bangladesh is also highly vulnerable to climate change, which negatively affects food production and access. Rising food prices and income disparities remain significant contributors to food insecurity in the country.

Several countries have successfully implemented policies to reduce food wastage and improve food distribution. France, for instance, was the first country to pass a law requiring supermarkets to donate unsold food to charities rather than discarding it. Italy has implemented tax incentives to encourage companies to donate unsold food. Other countries have developed food banks and apps that help redistribute surplus food from restaurants and households to those in need.

Pakistan can also improve its food supply chains to significantly reduce wastage, especially post-harvest losses caused by inadequate storage. Enacting legislation similar to France’s could compel retailers to donate unsold food to charities, reducing waste. Japan’s cultural concept of ‘mottainai’ (regret over waste) promotes food conservation, while Denmark has reduced food waste by 25 per cent over the last decade through awareness campaigns and policies that penalize households and businesses for the amount of food they waste. Denmark also repurposes food waste as animal feed or compost.

By adopting a combination of policy interventions, awareness campaigns and improvements in food distribution systems, Pakistan could make significant strides in combating food insecurity and reducing food waste.