Internal Migration and Household Food Insecurity in Pakistan: Evidence from Nationally Representative Microdata

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of internal migration on household food insecurity in Pakistan using nationally representative data from the PSLM 2019–20 survey. Food insecurity is measured through the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), while internal migration is identified by whether the household head has moved from another district. Using a linear probability model and heterogeneity analysis, the findings show that migrant-headed households are significantly more likely to experience food insecurity than non-migrant households. The effect is stronger among urban and male-headed migrant households, weaker among rural migrants, and statistically insignificant for female-headed migrant households. These results suggest that internal migration can expose households to economic uncertainty, limited social support, and livelihood instability, which increases their vulnerability to food insecurity. The study underscores the need for targeted policy measures to support migrant households, particularly in urban areas, to help reduce their risk of food insecurity.