NON-AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE AND HOUSEHOLD FOOD INSECURITY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study examines how non-agricultural employment structure influences household food insecurity in Pakistan using nationally representative PSLM 2019–20 data. Food insecurity is measured through the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and a Linear Probability Model is applied to assess differences across employment categories of household heads. The results show that employers and self-employed workers are significantly less likely to experience food insecurity compared with wage-employed households, with employers being the most secure group. Urban households face lower food insecurity than rural households, but the protective effect of non-agricultural employment is relatively stronger in rural settings. Provincial heterogeneity further indicates that the magnitude of these effects varies across regions. Overall, the findings highlight that employment choice and location jointly shape household vulnerability. Policies supporting enterprise development, stable non-agricultural livelihoods, and improved labour conditions may contribute meaningfully to reducing food insecurity in Pakistan.