Comparison of Staple Food Availability in Urban and Rural Households in Kabupaten Malaka

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the differences staple food availability and household consumption patterns in urban and rural areas. This research took place in Kabupaten Malaka, with the sample of 60 urban households and 60 households chosen through random sampling. The obtianed data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results show that staple food availability respondents’ household were from the production of own farming, purchasing, and assistance from relatives. However, the availability of staple food did not support household consumption needs for 365 days (1 year). Staple food availability index in urban areas was 58.4, and the rural households reached 57.2. These numbers were far below the national index of 100. Analysis of z-tests showed significant differences in staple food availability between urban and rural households.

Role of Agriculture on Rural Household Food Security: A Systematic Review from Indonesia

“…The rising food prices, coupled with the decline in agricultural product sales, are believed to have caused a decrease in purchasing power for food, resulting in poorly impacted food access [30]. Respondents with low incomes before the COVID-19 pandemic tended to be more vulnerable to increased household food insecurity in rural areas after the pandemic, as they did not have sufficient funds to purchase adequately nutritious food [29,41,42].…”

“…Agricultural products are perishable, making the industry reliant on intensive inputs [19]. The government's lockdown policies and physical distancing restrictions as preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic have made the agricultural sector vulnerable due to their dependence on the market chain [41,42]. The pandemic has directly resulted in additional costs on inputs due to various factors such as distribution and transportation barriers, delayed deliveries, limited food stocks, and inflation in pesticide and fertilizer prices.…”