Concurrence of water and food insecurities, 25 low- and middle-income countries

Objective To investigate how water and food insecurity were associated in nationally representative samples of individuals from 25 low- and middle-income countries. Methods We used data from the 2020 World Gallup Poll in which the Individual Water Insecurity Experiences Scale and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale had been administered to 31 755 respondents. These scales measure insecurity experiences in the previous 12 months. We classified individuals as water insecure if their score was >= 12 and food insecure if the Rasch probability parameter was >= 0.5. For estimating the proportions, we used projection weights. We estimated the relationships between binary and continuous measures of water insecurity and food insecurity for individuals within each country and region using multivariable logistic and linear regression models, adjusting for key socioeconomic characteristics including income, gender, age and education. Findings Among the 18.3% of respondents who experienced water insecurity, 66.8% also experienced food insecurity. The likelihood of experiencing moderate-to-severe food insecurity was higher among respondents also experiencing water insecurity (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 2.69; 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.43 to 2.98). Similar odds were found in Asia (aOR: 2.95; 95% CI: 2.04 to 4.25), Latin America (aOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.62 to 2.89), North Africa (aOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 2.17 to 3.93) and sub-Saharan Africa (aOR: 2.71; 95% CI: 2.40 to 3.06). Conclusion Our results suggest that water insecurity should be considered when developing food and nutrition policies and interventions. However, more research is needed to understand the paths between these insecurities.

Automated summary

This study investigates the association between water and food insecurity in nationally representative samples from 25 low- and middle-income countries. The results show a high proportion of individuals experiencing both water and food insecurity, suggesting a link between the two. The study suggests that water insecurity should be taken into account when developing food and nutrition policies, but further research is needed to understand the pathways between these insecurities.