Analysis of Food Security among Rain-fed Lowland Rice-Farming Households in Rural Areas of Lao PDR:

A Daily Calorie Intake Approach

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the food security situation, and to identify the determinants of household food security in the rain-fed lowland rice farms in the rural areas of Lao PDR. We interviewed 88 households using a semi-structured questionnaire in two rural areas of Pathoumphone district, Champasak province. We used a daily calorie intake as an indicator of food security, and a logistic regression model to examine the factors influencing household food security. The result of this study showed that the average calorie intake per capita was 1,815 kcal per day, in which 88% derived from rice. On the other hand, other food such as meat, eggs, oils and fat are eaten in small portion. As a result, about 55% of the respondents were food insecure. The empirical model showed that dependency ratio, rice yield, number of relatives, and rice-farming experience were significantly correlated to food security. Thus, policy interventions should consider on social network and per-hectare yield to improve food security in the rural rain-fed lowland rice areas.