Inter-state Migration, Informal Precarious Livelihood and Challenges of Navigating Food Security Risk in Kerala’s Metropolis

Kerala, with its high Human Development Index and unique development model, has attracted a significant number of inter-state migrants seeking better livelihood opportunities. Our study aims to shed the light on the food insecurity challenges of the migrants and also evaluate the accessibility of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme in alleviating food security challenge of the inter-state migrants, filling the research vacuum to an extent. Given the lack of accessible data, this study seeks to fill some of vital gap vital gap by closely examining how migrant workers in Kerala experience and navigate hunger and food insecurity despite the ambitious ONORC scheme. The research objectives include: (1). Analyze the extent of food insecurity among low-wage inter-state migrants in Kerala’s metropolitan areas (Trivandrum and Kochi) and its impact on their well-being; (2). Examine food procurement strategies among migrants at different migration stages; (3) Assess the effectiveness of existing welfare programs in addressing migrants’ food security challenges; and (4) Recommend policy measures to enhance food security outcomes for vulnerable migrant workers. The project uses mixed methods, including a quantitative survey with 500 migrant workers, 20 semi-structured interviews with low-wage inter-state migrants, 10 interviews with stakeholders working with migrant communities, and food diaries to document daily food intake and procurement strategies with selected participants.