Evaluating Community Anaj Banks: Institutional Assessment and Impact on Rural Food Security in Uttar Pradesh

Rural agrarian communities in India, despite being central to national food production, continue to face significant food insecurity. This paradox arises due to factors such as poor agricultural infrastructure, fluctuating yields, post-harvest losses, socio-economic inequalities and inconsistent coverage of state food safety nets. Although India operates one of the world’s largest public food distribution systems, 74% of the population is still unable to afford a healthy diet. This study investigates the role of Community Anaj Banks (CABs) in enhancing food security among small and marginal farmers in rural Uttar Pradesh. It focuses on two key objectives: understanding how CABs operate as community-governed institutions and examining their contribution to food security. Data were collected through qualitative assessment surveys and semi-structured interviews in eight villages across Kanpur Nagar and Kanpur Dehat districts. Thematic content analysis was conducted, guided by the HLPE’s six-dimensional food security framework and indicators of community governance. Findings suggest that CABs strengthen food security by improving local access to food, fostering community trust and promoting participatory governance. However, challenges such as self-interest and policy conflicts remain. The study offers institutional and policy recommendations for scaling and sustaining decentralised, community-led food security models.