Impacts of conflict and unfavourable household locations in a heterogeneous environment on local food insecurity in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Unfavourable evolutions in the conflict-affected neighbouring areas of Kurdistan have a negative impact on household food security within the broader context of global food crises and protracted conflicts. This, in turn, is contributing to the exacerbation and geographical spread of conflict through conflict–food insecurity feedback loops. The primary objective of this study was to examine local variations in food security from a micro-level, household-based perspective. To this end, the impact of location-specific determinants, including rural settlements, altitude, conflict, and market distance, on household food security were assessed. This study was conducted in the Sulaymaniyah province of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a region characterised by armed conflict in rural areas and heterogeneous local conditions. Data were collected from 391 respondents and analysed using an ordered logit model. The Food Consumption Score (FCS) and the Household Food Insecurity and Access Scale (HFIAS) were used to assess food security. Our findings indicate that conflict exerts a detrimental effect on household food security. In contrast, households in urban and highland areas exhibit a more favourable food security status in comparison with households located in rural and lowland areas. Furthermore, improved access to the food market has a positive impact on household food security. To reduce food insecurity and decelerate the spread of conflict, it thus appears imperative that households in rural areas, particularly those in dry lowlands, be supported through direct payments, food aid, and infrastructure investments as part of conflict-sensitive and resilience-oriented development strategies to facilitate their access to food markets.