Seasonal Food Insecurity in the Drought-Prone Northwestern Region of Bangladesh : An Econometric Analysis <Research Note>

Agricultural crops of Bangladesh are especially sensitive to climatic variability such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, and natural disasters like floods, drought, salinity, and storm surges. The northwestern region of Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to drought because of prevailing hydrologic and temperature conditions. In recent decades, the region has had a shortfall of crops production and hence seasonal food insecurity. This study carried out household interviews (n=314), followed by a structured questionnaire in the drought-prone northwestern region of Bangladesh to identify the determining demographic and socio-economic factors of seasonal food insecurity in the drought-prone northwestern region. This study used the Probit model for the analysis. Provision of micro credit, use of drought tolerant crops, and drought mitigating social safety net programs can help to improve food security in this region. The findings of this study provide a robust basis for policy makers, researchers, government, stakeholders, NGOs, and development partners for further research, project implementation, and development of specific policies in this field to lessen seasonal food insecurity conditions.