Nutrition Security in Pakistan: Public Opinion on Food Access and Quality

According to WHO and UNICEF data, Pakistan faces a severe nutrition crisis with 40% of children under 5 experiencing stunted growth. Our survey of 4,800 Pakistanis explores public awareness, concerns, and experiences related to nutrition and food security.

Critical Survey Findings

Food Security Concerns

• 68% of households report difficulty affording nutritious food
• 72% have reduced food quality due to inflation
• 59% skip meals to manage food costs
• 81% are concerned about children's nutrition

Nutrition Awareness

• Only 45% are aware of recommended daily nutrition requirements
• 62% understand the importance of diverse diets
• 38% know about micronutrient deficiencies
• 54% are aware of government nutrition programs

WHO Nutrition Data Context

According to WHO's Global Nutrition Report 2023:

• 40.2% of children under 5 are stunted
• 17.7% are wasted (acute malnutrition)
• 9.5% are overweight
• Iron deficiency anemia: 49.1% in children, 41.7% in women

Regional Nutrition Challenges

Punjab

• Stunting rate: 38% (below national average)
• Food security: 65% report adequate access
• Awareness: 52% understand nutrition basics

Sindh

• Stunting rate: 45% (above national average)
• Food security: 58% report adequate access
• Awareness: 41% understand nutrition basics

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Stunting rate: 42%
• Food security: 61% report adequate access
• Awareness: 48% understand nutrition basics

Balochistan

• Stunting rate: 47% (highest)
• Food security: 52% report adequate access (lowest)
• Awareness: 35% understand nutrition basics (lowest)

Public Opinion on Solutions

Government Interventions

• 89% support school meal programs
• 84% want nutrition education in schools
• 76% support food fortification programs
• 71% want subsidies for nutritious foods

Community Action

• 78% are willing to participate in community nutrition programs
• 65% support local food production initiatives
• 72% want better access to fresh produce markets

Income-Based Analysis

Low-Income Households

• 91% report food insecurity
• 78% have children with nutritional concerns
• Highest support for government assistance (94%)

Middle-Income Households

• 58% report food insecurity
• 62% have children with nutritional concerns
• Support for education programs (81%)

High-Income Households

• 28% report food insecurity
• 45% have children with nutritional concerns
• Support for community programs (69%)

Gender Perspectives

• Women: 87% express concern about family nutrition
• Men: 74% express concern about family nutrition
• Women: Higher awareness of nutrition programs (58% vs. 42%)

Key Barriers Identified

1. Cost: 84% cite as primary barrier
2. Lack of Awareness: 62%
3. Limited Access: 58% (especially in rural areas)
4. Cultural Practices: 45%
5. Time Constraints: 38%

Recommendations

1. Expand school meal programs nationwide
2. Increase public awareness campaigns on nutrition
3. Support local food production and markets
4. Implement targeted programs for vulnerable regions (Balochistan, rural Sindh)
5. Address income inequality to improve food access
6. Integrate nutrition education into healthcare services

Methodology

This analysis combines WHO Global Nutrition Report data, UNICEF nutrition statistics, and RAYE's survey of 4,800 respondents across Pakistan, conducted in January 2024. The survey included parents, caregivers, and nutrition stakeholders.