High levels of poverty and high food prices have given Pakistan some of the highest rates of malnutrition, undernourishment and childhood stunting in the world. The situation is especially bad in rural areas, despite the importance of agriculture to the rural economy. This is due to the high incidence of poverty in rural areas and the fact that many farmers are net buyers of food. Furthermore, economic and environmental shocks have left many poor Pakistanis deeper in poverty, which, in turn, decreases their access to food. With economic pressures increasing, it seems unlikely that the Pakistani Government will be able to successfully implement a series of proposed reforms designed to reduce poverty and increase food security.
Suman Faheem
Karachi
