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Journal Issue Volume 32 Issue 1 Determinants of Food Insecurity among Municipal Fishing Households during...

Research Article

Determinants of Food Insecurity among Municipal Fishing Households during the COVID-19 Pandemic under Alert Level 1 in Kawit, Cavite, Philippines

Kim Irvin T. Protacio¹

Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 Philippines

Corresponding author

kitprotacio@gmail.com

, Maria Theresa M. Talavera² , Angelina R. Bustos² , Sherry B. Marasigan³

¹ Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 Philippines
² Institute of Human Nutrition and Food - College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños Laguna 4030 Philippines
³ Agricultural Systems Institute - College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños Laguna 4030 Philippines

Page 135-148 | Received : January 17, 2024, Accepted : March 25, 2025

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted municipal fishing households, a vulnerable group heavily dependent on the sea for their livelihoods. This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to food insecurity among municipal fishing households in Kawit, Cavite. To achieve this, a cross-sectional design and an online survey were utilized. Food insecurity status was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) concurrently with the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) questionnaire to gain a deeper understanding of the food security status of these fishing households. Multiple logistic regression was employed to analyze the factors contributing to food insecurity. The findings revealed that while dietary diversity was moderate, with households consuming not more than six types of food groups, consuming nutrient-dense foods was limited among fishing households. Alarmingly, a substantial proportion, three out of five households, faced significant food insecurity during the pandemic. Factors contributing to this insecurity included having young adult household heads, low income, and engaging in fewer weekly fishing trips. Conversely, adopting direct catch consumption practices, receiving financial assistance, and receiving both financial and food assistance all reduced the likelihood of food insecurity. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address food insecurity among municipal fishing households. Strategies should prioritize promoting nutrient-dense food consumption, enhancing income stability for young adult household heads, improving fishing opportunities, strengthening direct catch consumption, and providing essential food and financial assistance. These measures can not only alleviate food insecurity but also enhance overall well-being during and beyond the ongoing pandemic.

Keywords: food insecurity, food security, municipal fishing, fishing household, malnutrition