Multidimensional assessment of nutrition insecurity among tribal households in forest fringe villages: A study on Manbazar II block, Purulia district, West Bengal

Adequate nutrition remains elusive for tribal populations living in forest-fringe areas, constrained by poor socio-economic conditions and limited public health access. This study examines nutrition insecurity among 220 tribal households in Manbazar II Block, Purulia, West Bengal, through structured questionnaires, anthropometric assessments, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics measured dietary diversity, food access, and nutritional status, while Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysed socio-demographic associations. Results reveal that 64.5% of households face moderate to severe food insecurity (HFIAS). Among children under five, 41.3% are stunted, 28.7% underweight, and 17.5% wasted, reflecting high chronic and acute malnutrition. Mothers' education levels, income, and use of nutrition programs were found to be associated (p<0.05).Dietary diversity was low, with 73% consuming fewer than four food groups daily. Heavy dependence on forest produce, poor agricultural output, and weak ICDS/PDS coverage emerge as major causes. The study recommends integrated, location-specific interventions emphasizing nutrition education, livelihood diversification, and improved welfare access.