Food Security Experiences and Challenges During 2022 Flooding in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Climate change poses significant risks to world food security, with natural disasters like floods. Pakistan, with its frequent floods and hazard-prone environment, ranks as the fifth most affected country globally. In 2022, Pakistan experienced three times more monsoon rainfall than the average, leading millions of Pakistanis to seek immediate aid. Floods destroyed fertile agricultural land and reduced efficiency in food production. The disorganization of food supplies and distribution after floods poses challenges for both victims and authorities as emergency organizations find it difficult to maintain food security for the affected population. Aim: The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of relief authorities and frontline workers in providing food security during the 2022 flood crisis in Pakistan, focusing on the strategies used, and the challenges faced by them. Methodology: The study follows a qualitative research design. Using purposive sampling, eight semi-structured interviews with participants from the government and private sector involved in providing help to the affected population were conducted online. Most interviews were conducted in Urdu, the author performed translation of the interview transcripts from Urdu to English and utilized NVivo as an analysis tool for thematic analysis. The author categorized various experiences related to food delivery and its challenges. Results: The floods of 2022 severely disrupted the local food supply system, destroying all belongings and food storage facilities and making the population food insecure. During the floods, organizations responded quickly and utilized their services to provide food and relief to flood victims. However, vulnerable groups only received milk and, in a few instances, some supplements. A significant gap in communication between relief agencies was identified, which led to poor management of relief activities. Significant barriers emerged, including a lack of funding and proper resources, poor transportation and distribution, less variety and food quality maintenance, and limited access to the sites where victims were located. Conclusion: This study highlighted that 2022 floods posed a significant threat to food security, and the relief authorities faced challenges in maintaining consistent food supplies. Therefore, it emphasizes the importance of enhancing communication among humanitarian stakeholders, planning meals that are both nutritious and culturally suitable, and ensuring transparency in food distribution.