Factors affecting households food security during pandemic Covid-19

Purpose. The importance of this study is underscored by the possibility of recurring pandemics in human history. In this context, efforts to overcome or adapt to such crises, particularly in maintaining food security at the household level, become essential for sustaining human life. The study was conducted to identify and analyse the relationship between food security and various dimensions, along with the coping strategies adopted by three different food security statuses in Banten province, Indonesia. Methodology / approach. Primary data were collected from a survey of 170 households selected by stratified random sampling based on three regions with different food security status. To address the research question, regression analysis was used to develop a logistic model illustrating the relationship between independent variables, including social, economic, and demographic factors, dimensions of food security, coping strategies, and the dependent variable of household food security, as assessed by the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) score. Results. The Coping Strategy Index (CSI) variable significantly affected food security with a 99 % confidence interval. Variables such as the age of the family head, the number of family members in the household, and the Food Consumption Score (FCS) were identified to have a significant effect with a 95 % confidence interval. Meanwhile, the education level of the family head was the only independent variable found to have a significant effect at the 90 % confidence interval. Originality / scientific novelty. This research is the first study conducted in Indonesia regarding the effect of household coping strategies during the Covid-19 pandemic, dimensions of food security, socio-demographic factors on household food security status for three different regional characteristics in Banten province, Indonesia, using a logistic regression model. This model has been tested and has shown high feasibility. Practical value / implications. This study provides evidence of a significant influence of household coping strategies, household consumption scores, age of the household head, and family size. This has implications for the role of households in improving adaptation during times of crisis, particularly in acquiring quality food and meeting daily food needs. The selection of the right and quality menu can enhance the resilience and nutrition of each household member in crisis situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of these findings will also have implications for government policies related to ensuring education for all citizens, setting a minimum age for marriage, and promoting the Family Planning program to control the number of children in households.