Food Insecurity and Coping Mechanisms of Migrant and Non-Migrant Households in Kerala

This study examines food insecurity and household coping mechanisms in Kerala, focusing on food availability and consumption patterns across migrant and non-migrant households. From the Kerala Migration Survey (KMS) 2023 sample, data was collected from a sub-sample of 1289 households across 48 localities in all 14 districts of Kerala in 2024. The study compares different types of households, including emigrant, return emigrant, out-migrant, return out-migrant and non-migrant households. Household income determines purchasing power, which in turn influences dietary patterns and
consumption behaviour. The study reveals that a small proportion of households experienced inadequate food availability, reduced meal consumption, and compromised diets. One-third of households showed a notable shift toward fast food and hotel/restaurant consumption. The study documented considerable variation in food insecurity levels among households. While 91.2% of households were food secure, 3.4% were mildly food insecure, 1.6% moderately food insecure, and 3.7% severely food insecure. The analysis also reveals significant variation across household types, with emigrant households
exhibiting better food security outcomes. Socio-economic status and migration characteristics influenced food security, and only a few households reported being adversely affected by rising food prices. The findings disclose substantial changes in household food access and food habits, underscoring the need for targeted assistance and livelihood initiatives to secure the short- and long-term stability of household food security by moving beyond a generalised understanding of migration.