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Rethinking the postmodern approach to food insecurity in crises: evidence from Pakistan

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  • Sameen Zafar

    (Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS))

  • Mashal E. Zehra

    (University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC))

Abstract

In the wake of global challenges to food security, including wars, famines and climate change, ending world hunger by 2030 seems unachievable unless proactive socioeconomic and agricultural policies enable adequate and efficient food production, access, and stability at the national level. Despite having a diverse agricultural base, Pakistan faces a growing food insecurity challenge. Our study adopts a postmodern policy perspective to examine predictors of food insecurity in Pakistan, given the research gap on experiential food security and post-COVID-19 food security recovery. We conduct empirical analysis using Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) 2018–19 Survey and the Special Survey on Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 to assess pre- and during COVID-19 food insecurity levels in Pakistan. Our contribution is to expand the current postmodern theoretical debate on the prevalence of food insecurity by using household-level food insecurity experiential data to identify moderately and severely food insecure households across Pakistan.

Suggested Citation

  • Sameen Zafar & Mashal E. Zehra, 2025. "Rethinking the postmodern approach to food insecurity in crises: evidence from Pakistan," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 59(4), pages 3661-3682, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:59:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s11135-025-02134-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-025-02134-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Munir Ahmad & Umar Farooq, 2010. "The State of Food Security in Pakistan: Future Challenges and Coping Strategies," The Pakistan Development Review, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, vol. 49(4), pages 903-923.
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