Assessment of Factors Affecting Food Security in Tribal Community

Abstract

Food security means ensuring food that is available, accessible, and affordable to all the people at all times. Food security is of global concern affecting most of the people in the society at some point of time. In comparison to other population groupings, tribal communities are more vulnerable groups and face socioeconomic disadvantages and food insecurity and are “at risk” of undernutrition. This is mainly due to lack of knowledge, geographical isolation, and suboptimal utilization of health services. Objectives of this study are to determine sociodemographic profile of tribal community, to assess nutritional status, to assess and evaluate the availability, accessibility of various foods, and factors influencing food security in tribal communities. It was a community-based study carried out by random sampling procedure in different villages of Paderu division, Alluri District, Andhra Pradesh by taking permission from the Integrated Tribal Development Agency Project Officer and Administrative Officer for conducting the study. Consent was obtained from the heads of the concerned households and data were collected from the participants who were willing to participate in the study. Information on sociodemographic details, anthropometric measurements, availability of various food items, severity of food insecurity, and factors affecting food insecurity were assessed using pretested schedule which included health and lifestyle related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP). The mean body mass index was 21.6 ± 3.3 kg/m2, in which most of the men are normal, whereas women are undernourished. The KAP survey revealed that subjects possessed knowledge and attitude on health and hygiene to some extent but poorly practiced. Food insecurity experience scale revealed that the people were facing moderate to severe food insecurity. This study concludes widespread food insecurity among tribal population and there is need for proper implementation of various programs and schemes to prevent food insecurity and its consequences.