Climate change, food insecurity and malnutrition in South Asia: Assessing climate-induced nutritional vulnerabilities (2000–2023)

Abstract

It has become clear that climate change is a long-term challenge to global food security and it was identified as a major cause of food insecurity worldwide, particularly in vulnerable areas like south Asia. This study examines the interaction between climate change and food security in the context of malnutrition caused by climate change in South Asia between 2000 and 2023. The study is designed as mixed method design consisting of quantitative data analysis and qualitative approach. Changes in malnutrition indicators and climate data are analyzed using quantitative data from international databases like the FAO, WHO, and national health surveys. Empirical findings are supplemented with qualitative data from policy documents, case studies and expert interviews to help place findings in context and inform policy responses. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to map the climate and nutrition vulnerabilities in each of the ecological zones. This research will use the multidisciplinary lens of Vulnerability and Adaptation Framework and Food Systems Theory, to draw a comprehensive analysis of systemic climate risks intersect with socio-economic structures to influence nutritional outcomes. Some elements of Political Ecology are also incorporated to consider governance and power relations in the process of allocating resources to influence adaptive capacity in the region. The results are anticipated to highlight the critical policy gaps and offer evidence-based policy recommendations for food and nutrition systems towards achieving nutrition security in the region. This will support the identification of a regional vulnerability map (climate-nutrition hotspots).