Pakistan ranked 99th out of 121 countries in the 2022 Global Hunger Index (GHI), indicating a severe hunger level with a score of 26.1.
Food security is threatened by escalating conflicts, severe weather occurrences, and economic and health issues resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. These factors have contributed to widespread food shortages and related problems like hunger. Additionally, food insecurity is about poor food availability in the market and insufficient resources to procure healthy and nutritious food.
How Has Inflation Reduced Food Availability to Pakistanis?
The current hyperinflation in Pakistan has caused severe food security issues, leaving a majority of Pakistanis struggling to access nutritious and adequate food. The high inflation rate, which has been consistently in double digits for the past few years, has significantly increased the prices of essential food items, making them unaffordable for many.
Food security is becoming an increasingly problematic issue in our country. According to a World Food Program (WFP) report, approximately 43% of Pakistanis are currently facing food insecurity, with 18% experiencing acute food insecurity. The report cites affordability as the primary factor for the lack of access to nutritionally acceptable food.
With food prices continuously increasing, many families had to reduce their food intake or compromise on the quality of the food. This situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where families are struggling for access to quality food and nutrition. Reducing food insecurity in Pakistan requires a range of solutions involving policy and community-based initiatives.
Hyperinflation has also had an effect on food production and supply chains. The increasing costs of inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, etc., are causing difficulties , leading to reduced yields and lower-quality produce. Meanwhile, the high cost of transportation and storage has led to a decline in food availability in remote and rural areas.