Urbanization and Peri-Urban Household Food Security: Evidence from Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Unplanned urbanization is reshaping the rural–urban interface of Pakistani cities, converting agricultural land into housing and pressuring food systems. This study examines the association between urbanization and food security in peri-urban Faisalabad, Pakistan’s textile hub. Using a random sample of 160 households from settlements located 2–14 km from city center, food security was assessed through a seven-day dietary recall against 2,350 kcal per adult equivalent per day. Binary logistic regression identified socioeconomic and locational correlates of food security, using migrant status and distance from city center as proxies for urbanization exposure. Results indicate that 26% of households were food insecure, with the highest prevalence in the settlement closest to city center. Both urbanization proxies were negatively associated with food security, although neither relationship was statistically significant. Headship age of 46 years and above was significantly and negatively associated with food security, while income, number of earners, and education of the household head were positively associated with food security. Household size showed a negative but partly significant relationship, whereas joint family structure showed a positive association that approached but did not reach significance. The study recommends agricultural zoning, land governance, and livelihood diversification to safeguard food security in peri-urban areas.