Status of Food Insecurity in Nepal

Nepal is one of the least developed nation. Agriculture is  means of  livelihood for the majority of the people, as two third of the people's main profession is agriculture. However, status of  food security  is not at satisfactory level in Nepal. Latest Agriculture Sample Survey claims 60 percent of the farmer's have insufficient food to fulfill their family need from their own production. Therefore, huge number of smallholder farmer's are doing agriculture profession just because they don't have another option.

Food security status of people measured by four dimensions i.e. Food Availability, Food Access, Food Utilization and Stability if observed in Nepal since long, is improving. However, it doesn't have reached to a satisfactory level. Here under tried to compile some of the available indicators of Food Security Situation in Nepal based on the formal sources of information.

Among many governing factors for poor performance of agriculture and high food insecurity situation, one is low level of investment in agriculture sector. Likewise insufficient and poorly coordinated food security programs are also visible. Not only economic access but physical access ( remoteness) is also barrier to improving food security situation of people. Market network and other infrastructure development are minimal in Nepal, which ultimately affects on price of food and people's purchasing capacity.

Outcome of food security programs is indicated by nutrition status of people. However, nutrition condition is very poor in Nepal. Many nutrition programs has not produced results as per expectations.  On the top of these factors, lack of planned food and nutrition security programs is major which is insufficient to cope the food insecurity situation in Nepal.Therefore, these all situation demands a focused and effective program for food and nutrition security. As a result of which Nepal would be a food secure country.

Food Availability
FBS= 33 Districts Food Deficit ( 2012/13, MoAD)

Food Access
Poverty = 25.6 % ( CBS,2011)
Food Poverty =26 % ( NTRFSN,2013)
Household with more than 75 % of share of expenditure on food = 22 % ( NTRFSN, 2013)

Food Utilization
Undernutrition = 46 % ( NTRFSN, 2013)
Underweight = 29 % (NDHS,2011)
Stunting = 41 % ( NDHS,2011)
Wasting = 11 % ( NDHS,2011)
HH with low Dietary Diversity Score = 9 % ( NTRFSN, 2013)
Inadequate Food Consumption Score = 42 % ( NTRFSN, 2013)
Food Energy Deficit ( 2536 Kcal) = 38 % ( NTRFSN, 2013)

Stability
Regular Strike/Bandha
Blockade due to landslide, flood, other disaster, vehicle syndicate etc.