Poverty and Food Security in Rural Bihar

Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to assess the state of food and nutritional security in rural Bihar over the past decades, with a specific focus on the impacts of poverty and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research sought to understand changes in household food expenditure patterns, analyze the role of dietary diversity in food security, and evaluate the effectiveness of government interventions such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Methodology: The study utilized data from a longitudinal survey conducted by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) across 12 villages in 7 districts of Bihar. These villages, which represent the rural population of the state, were initially surveyed in 1981 and then revisited in 2016. Additionally, a rapid telephonic survey was conducted in 2021 to assess the impact of COVID-19 on food security in these villages. The analysis focused on household expenditure on food items over 18 years, dietary diversity, and the effectiveness of food security interventions.

Findings:

• Malnutrition and Dietary Patterns: Despite some progress, Bihar continues to suffer from high levels of malnutrition, with 43% of children under five being stunted and 23% wasted (NFHS-5, 2019-21). Rural households predominantly rely on staple foods, which limits dietary diversity and contributes to nutritional deficiencies.
• Household Food Expenditure: Over the 18-year period, changes in food expenditure patterns were observed across various socio-economic groups, with an ongoing reliance on caloric intake rather than nutritional diversity.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic exacerbated food insecurity in rural areas, as reported in the 2021 telephonic survey. Households faced challenges in accessing sufficient and diverse food, highlighting the vulnerability of the rural population.
• Agricultural Diversification: The study emphasized the need to shift Bihar’s cropping pattern away from a focus on cereals towards more nutritious crops such as oilseeds, vegetables, and millets in both kharif and rabi seasons.
• Kitchen Gardens and Land Access: Promoting small kitchen gardens was identified as a practical solution for enhancing dietary diversity. However, land access remains a significant barrier for many rural households. Government initiatives to purchase land for subsidized distribution to land-poor households, along with the promotion of community kitchen gardens, were recommended.
• Public Distribution System (PDS): Strengthening the PDS by addressing exclusion errors and incorporating pulses, millets, and edible oils could improve food security for impoverished households.
• Role of Social Programs and Healthcare: Programs like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and ICDS have contributed to food security, but their efficacy needs refinement. The study also highlighted the importance of water, sanitation, and healthcare services in addressing malnutrition. Anganwadi and Asha workers, along with Primary Health Centres, play crucial roles in delivering these services. However, many Anganwadi centres require revitalization to enhance their impact on nutrition and food security.

Policy Recommendations:

• Agricultural Diversification: Shift focus from cereal cultivation to more nutritious crops such as oilseeds, vegetables, and millets to improve dietary diversity.
• Promotion of Kitchen Gardens: Encourage the establishment of kitchen gardens at both household and community levels, with government support in land access for land-poor households.
• Strengthening PDS: Enhance the PDS by reducing exclusion errors and gradually including more nutritious items like pulses, millets, and edible oils.
• Revitalization of Social Programs: Improve the efficacy of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and ICDS by refining their delivery and expanding their reach.
• Focus on WASH and Healthcare: Address water, sanitation, and healthcare deficiencies as part of a comprehensive approach to tackling malnutrition and improving food security.