Nawaipakistan.com

A Research Paper
Economics Department
Pir Mehr Ali Shah University, Rawalpindi
June 2025

Conclusion Inflation significantly disrupts food security in Pakistan. Families are forced to adopt unsustainable strategies like meal reduction and substitution. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address both immediate and structural issues of food inflation. Without intervention, the trend may aggravate poverty, malnutrition, and inequality.

Impact of Inflation on the Food Basket of Households –

This paper examines the influence of inflation on household food consumption in Pakistan, emphasizing affordability, quality, and coping strategies. Based on survey data from 50 respondents, it reveals how families adjust their food baskets under economic pressure and evaluates the adequacy of institutional support. The study highlights the pressing link between inflation, nutrition, and food security, stressing the need for targeted policies.

Introduction Inflation erodes purchasing power, affecting both developed and developing economies. In Pakistan, where many live near the poverty line, food inflation directly impacts household welfare. The food basket – essential items like wheat, rice, milk, vegetables, and oil – becomes unaffordable, forcing families to reduce quantity, compromise on quality, or switch to cheaper substitutes. Inflation not only affects nutrition but also creates psychological stress, family sacrifices, and social tensions.

Objectives The study aims to assess changes in the composition of household food baskets, explore coping strategies, and evaluate perceptions of government response. It examines affordability, nutritional diversity, and the effectiveness of support programs, using both descriptive statistics and visual charts.

Methodology A quantitative approach was adopted through structured questionnaires administered to 50 households in urban and semi-urban areas. Section A analyzed the impact of inflation on food consumption (e.g., reduced portions, substitution, or declining quality), while Section B focused on coping mechanisms and perceptions (e.g., price comparisons, kitchen gardening, or reliance on subsidies). Responses were collected on a Yes/No/Unclear basis and summarized with charts for clarity.

Results and Analysis Findings reveal that 96% of respondents experienced higher food expenses, 56% reduced quantities, and 64% faced difficulty purchasing nutritious food. Families reported reduced dietary diversity and smaller portions, with 74% noting a decline in quality. Coping strategies included comparing prices (64%), shopping locally (62%), and kitchen gardening (32%). However, only 14% benefitted from government assistance. While individual coping was visible, institutional support remained weak. Overall, households perceived inflation as one of the most serious economic issues, with 88% expressing concern about rising prices.

Discussion The analysis shows a dual pattern: widespread suffering due to inflation and fragmented coping responses. Families sacrifice nutrition for affordability, leading to risks of malnutrition, stunted growth, and long-term health costs. Women and children are disproportionately affected, with parents often skipping meals. Social stress, debt dependency, and food insecurity worsen household vulnerability. Limited access to subsidies highlights the inefficiency of government measures.

Recommendations 1. Expand and target food subsidy programs for vulnerable households.
2. Strengthen supply chains to prevent artificial shortages and stabilize prices.
3. Encourage kitchen gardening through training and seed distribution.
4. Promote nutritional education for affordable, healthy diets.
5. Implement inflation-indexed support like cash transfers and wage adjustments.
6. Improve transparency in welfare distribution via digital platforms.
7. Develop community-based resilience such as cooperatives and shared kitchens.
8. Coordinate policy responses across federal and provincial levels.

Overall, the research highlights how inflation alters food consumption patterns, creates nutritional stress, and exposes gaps in government response. Stronger policy frameworks and community engagement are essential to safeguarding household food security under inflationary pressure.