Integrated analysis of local agricultural practices, community-led interventions, and climate change impacts on food insecurity in rural Azad Kashmir

Food insecurity impacts 2.3 billion individuals worldwide, with the Asia-Pacific region representing more than 50% of the global undernourished population. In Pakistan, approximately 37% of the population experiences food insecurity, with rural Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) exhibiting concerning rates of stunting, wasting, and overweight individuals. This research examines the correlation between food insecurity, household factors, agricultural practices, and climate change in rural AJK. Data were collected from 470 respondents via a self-administered questionnaire utilizing convenience sampling, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied for analysis. Household size, gender, income, education, and climate change influence food insecurity significantly. An increase of one person in household size is associated with a 0.499-unit rise in food insecurity, whereas a one-unit increase in income results in a 0.582-unit reduction. Females exhibit greater levels of food insecurity compared to males, while educational attainment is associated with a reduction in food insecurity. Furthermore, the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices mitigates food insecurity, whereas climate change intensifies it. The findings highlight the necessity for targeted interventions that address the specific challenges faced by rural AJK, particularly about climate-resilient agricultural practices and sustainable livelihoods.