Analyzing Food Security and Livelihood Dynamics of the Indigenous Community in Bangladesh: A Post‐ COVID ‐19 Perspective

ABSTRACT This study investigated the post‐COVID‐19 food security and livelihood status of the marginalized Garo indigenous community in Bangladesh. A cross‐sectional household survey was conducted from August to November 2023, encompassing 300 households in the Tangail and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. The household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) and a livelihood assessment index (LAI) were utilized in conjunction with a logistic regression model to ascertain the determinants of household food security. The findings revealed that food insecurity, which was prevalent in 93% of households during lockdown, improved to 59% after the pandemic. Financial capital and natural capital were most significantly impacted, whereas physical capital remained relatively stable. The regression analysis indicated that increased household income, natural capital, and physical capital are positively and significantly correlated with food security status. Common coping strategies, which include reducing meal size and frequency and consuming fewer preferred foods, were identified. The findings also suggest that despite ongoing recovery, persistent structural vulnerabilities necessitate policy interventions, including income support, targeted credit, improved agricultural inputs, and strengthened social safety nets, to enhance resilience and mitigate reliance on negative coping mechanisms within indigenous households.