Women's contribution in provision of household food security: A study from rural areas of Punjab, Pakistan

Objective: To examine the women's role and contribution in provision of household food security in rural Punjab. Methodology: This cross-sectional study collected data from 420 rural households from three districts of Punjab through a simple random sampling technique. The data were analyzed through SPSS and logistic regression analysis was employed for bivariate analysis. Results: We found that 49% of households were suffering from household food insecurity. Women performed a substantial role in food production such as participation in farming, labor force, and income-generating activities. Three fourth (75.7%) women participated in processing, preparing and allocating food for household members. The multivariate logistic analysis found a significant association of women's education, economic status, knowledge, and awareness about nutritious food, decision-making power, and economic autonomy with household food security. Whereas women's age and household size were negatively associated with household food security. Conclusion: Rural women play a decisive role in the availability, accessibility, and utilization of food for ensuring sustainable household food security. The study suggests empowering women through capacity building, income-generating opportunities, and vocational skills to overcome the household food insecurity in rural areas of Punjab.