Evaluation of Food Security Status and Its Determinants in Rural Regions of Sabzevar County

Food security has always been one of the fundamental challenges facing nations. Due to its critical importance, numerous studies over the past three decades have investigated the status of food diversity and security among urban and rural households worldwide. The present study aims to assess the level of food security and identify its determining factors among rural households in Sabzevar County. To measure food security, the Berry Index and Food Group Count were employed, and a logistic regression model was used to analyze influencing variables. Data were collected through 100 standardized food security questionnaires distributed among rural households in Sabzevar County during the summer of 2022. The findings indicated that food security is at a moderate and relatively favorable level, with both indices produced consistent results. Furthermore, income, housing status, and the type of household head were identified as the most significant factors affecting food security, all showing positive and statistically significant relationships. Based on the results, it is recommended to develop complementary occupations such as rural tourism alongside agriculture to reduce unemployment and enhance household food security. Additionally, further studies using alternative statistical and econometric approaches are suggested.