World Food Programme: Daily Energy-Only Diet Priced at Rs18 in Balochistan, Rs32 in Sindh

Published at: December 11, 2024 7:13 AM

Updated at: December 26, 2024 11:17 AM

A recent analysis by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) revealed significant disparities in the cost of energy and nutritious diets across Pakistan, with prices varying widely depending on the region. The analysis, titled 'Fill the Nutrient Gap' (FNG), estimated that the daily cost of an energy-only diet ranged from Rs18 per capita in rural Balochistan to Rs32 in urban Sindh. The findings, released on Tuesday, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by many Pakistanis in meeting basic nutritional needs.

The FNG analysis is part of a larger global study conducted in 13 countries to assess the affordability and accessibility of nutritious diets. It combines data on local food systems, secondary data on food environments, and the costs of meeting individual nutrient needs. According to the report, only 5% of Pakistan’s population is unable to afford the energy needed for a basic diet, reflecting a concerning gap in access to sufficient calories.

However, the cost of a diet that meets full nutritional requirements is significantly higher. The report found that the cost of a nutritious diet ranges from Rs67 per capita in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Rs78 in urban Sindh. Unfortunately, a large portion of the population cannot afford this more nutritious food. On average, 66% of the population is unable to afford a diet that meets their nutritional needs, with rural areas facing more extreme challenges. In rural Balochistan, up to 84% of the population cannot afford a nutritious diet, while in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this figure stands at 59%.

The analysis also highlights the specific nutritional needs of vulnerable groups, such as adolescent girls, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. These groups have higher nutritional requirements, particularly for nutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. The cost of providing a nutritious diet to these individuals is notably high, with adolescent girls and breastfeeding mothers in Sindh contributing to over 50% of the total cost of a household's nutritious diet.

Children aged 12 to 23 months, while consuming less food, face unique nutritional challenges. Due to their smaller stomachs, they require meals more frequently and need nutrient-dense foods to meet their dietary needs. The analysis warns that failing to meet the nutritional requirements of children in this age group can have lifelong consequences, affecting their health and development.

Overall, the FNG analysis sheds light on the alarming extent of food insecurity in Pakistan, with many individuals struggling to afford not just energy but also the essential nutrients needed for good health. This underscores the importance of addressing the affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods in the country, particularly for vulnerable groups. The findings also call for greater attention to improving food systems, as well as the need for policies that can ensure that all individuals, regardless of their location or economic situation, have access to a nutritious diet.