Food security of impoverished households in Tuong Duong district, Nghe An province: The HFIAS measurement

Abstract

While Vietnam demonstrates overall national food security, many households, particularly in challenging areas such as Tuong Duong district, Nghe An province, continue to grapple with food insecurity. This article explores the food security status of impoverished households in Tuong Duong district, employing the Household Food Insecurity and Access Scale (HFIAS) for assessment. A survey of 125 households across two communes within the district provided insights into the prevalence of household behaviours indicating insufficient quality and quantity of food, as well as anxiety and uncertainty regarding insecure access to food supplies. The majority of respondents were categorised as “moderately food insecure” or “mildly food insecure”. Key determinants of food security for this impoverished population, such as human, natural, physical, social, and financial capital, were identified. The findings suggest that policy priorities should focus on: (1) Expanding the scale of agricultural production and irrigation systems; (2) Enhancing support activities related to agricultural production for households; (3) Broadening the livelihood framework; (4) Developing infrastructure to improve market accessibility for the impoverished population in the district.