In spite of green revolution and rapid economic growth, India’s vast population
still suffers from hunger and poverty, especially in the rural areas. Moreover, drought
adversely affects India’s economy by declining agricultural production and purchasing
power. It also escalates rural unemployment which ultimately affects household food
security. Our study investigated the food security of drought prone rural households in a
broader context by linking the dimensions of food security with dimensions of climate
change vulnerability. We used the primary data of 157 drought prone rural households
of Odisha state in India for analysis. This study employed polychoric principal component
analysis to construct an aggregate food security index. An ordered probit model was
used to estimate the determinants of food security. The FSI showed that three-fourth of
the respondents were facing food security issues with varying degrees. The estimates of
ordered probit model indicated that joint family, education, migration and health insurance
are key variables that determine food security, whereas drought adversely affected food
security of rural households. Overarching strategies are required to effectively address food security issues in the wake of increased drought risk. This study provides an insight for
policy makers in India and in similar south Asian countries who must consider food security
in the light of drought.
Keywords Availability · Access · Exposure · Sensitivity · Stability · Utility ·
Vulnerability