Food and Nutrition Security in Bangladesh: Trends, Challenges, and Policy Interventions

Abstract

Food and nutrition security in Bangladesh is a multifaceted issue encompassing four fundamental dimensions: availability, access, utilization, and stability. Each dimension is influenced by various determinants, including economic factors, social conditions, and governance structures. This study examines key indicators of poverty and food insecurity in Bangladesh as of 2024, highlighting the dietary practices across different demographic groups. Detailed analysis of the consumption of ten food groups over a seven-day dietary recall reveals distinct patterns among adolescent girls and boys, adult women and men, and elderly populations differentiated by place of residence. Despite progress, trends indicate persistent undernutrition among children and fluctuating BMI levels among ever-married women over time. From 2014 to 2023, the agricultural sector exhibited growth in value added, alongside a significant share of rural households engaged in livestock and poultry production. The study further explores projections indicating a rise in total food consumption from 2015 to 2030, juxtaposed with the escalating cost of a healthy diet, posing affordability challenges for vulnerable populations. Coping strategies employed by households often involve unsustainable practices that threaten long-term food security. Key nutrition indicators underscore ongoing challenges while strategic developments in 2024 reflect concerted efforts to improve nutrition outcomes. The average dietary energy supply adequacy over recent years provides additional context on national nutrition status.