CURRENT SCENARIO OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME, FOOD SECURITY AND DIETARY DIVERSITY AMONG HANDLOOM WEAVERS OF SHIRAJGANJ DISTRICT

Abstract

Rural non-farm development plays a key role in generating employment in many developing countries. In this regard handloom industry is one of the most important factors for the development of Bangladesh. Handloom industry is the most ancient cottage industry in Bangladesh but many of the handloom weavers are in vulnerable situation. Poverty and food security are intricately interlinked and it should be analyzed in different dimensions. This study was conducted to assess the calorie intake level, determine the factors influencing calorie intake and identify the problems faced by the handloom weaver households in a selected area of Bangladesh. A sample size of 200 households was selected simple random sampling method from Four villages. Data were collected through field survey by using pre-designed and pre-tested interview schedule. To assess the per person per day calorie intake level of the sample household's members, the food consumption data of seven days was measured by standard value of 100 gm each food item. To determine the factor influencing calorie intake multiple regression analysis was carried out. Calorie intake level and food consumption scores were used to measure poverty and food insecurity. According to calorie intake level, there was no respondent belonged to ultra-poor (<1600 kcal). About 5.5% of the respondents belonged to hard core poor (<1805 kcal) whose average calorie intake was 1698.13 kcal and 21% of the respondents had an average calorie intake 2078.36 k. calories and they belonged to absolute poor. The rest 73.5% of the respondents took above 2122 kcal. and average calorie was 2251.77 kcal. Therefore, the maximum number of respondents belonged to the Non-poor group. Food consumption vary one group to another. People with higher income have ability to consume both essential and luxury foods. On the other hand, income with lower and middle rate people have to maintain their consumption list containing essentials one. Income of the household have positive impact on calorie intake of the household's members. Among the reported problems low wage rate and increase price of input was ranked the main problem faced by the handloom weavers. Bangladesh Handloom Board, government and non-government organizations, and institutions can take specialized policies for handloom weavers to reduce poverty and strengthen food security.