Regional Vulnerability to Food Insecurity: The Case of Indonesia

Regional vulnerability manifests in various ways, one of which is food insecurity. Food insecurity is a global challenge and a key focus of Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger. This study aims to assess the level of regional vulnerability to food insecurity for 34 provinces in Indonesia. The components of vulnerability are defined by exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, while the dimensions of food insecurity are assessed through availability and access-utility. This study employed the composite index method to assess regional vulnerability to food insecurity in Indonesia for the year 2021. The analysis involved three calculation steps and utilized a subjective direct technique for indicator weighting. The findings emphasize the significant role of exposure in a region’s susceptibility to food insecurity. Mapping the conditions of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity indicates that 11.7% of Indonesian provinces are extremely vulnerable, with high exposure and sensitivity, and low adaptive capacity. To address these issues, these provinces should focus on diversifying food sources, improving market access for farmers, investing in essential agricultural infrastructure, and enhancing the agricultural sector through human resource development.