Differential Impact of Flood Prone Areas on Household Food Insecurity in Bihar: An Analysis of Financial and Dietary Access Disparities

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of flooding on food security in Bihar by comparing 250 households each from flood-prone and non-flood-prone areas, selected through stratified random sampling. The adapted Household Food Security Survey Module measured food security status. The research identifies significant differences between the two groups and examines socio-economic factors influencing food security. Statistical methods included mean, median, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests. Findings show that flooding significantly worsens food security, making flood-prone regions especially vulnerable. Food insecurity in Bihar is linked not only to environmental factors like flooding but also to structural poverty, and ongoing malnutrition. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions in flood-affected areas that address both immediate and underlying socio-economic issues. Flooding increases existing vulnerabilities and hinders progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. An integrated approach that considers both environmental and socio-economic factors is essential to effectively address food insecurity in Bihar.