Impact of Livelihood Assets on the Food Security Status among Low-Income Households in Rural Area, Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract

Livelihood assets are an important factor in livelihood sustainability, especially in the context of food security. Without sufficient livelihood assets, food security status is compromised, especially for low-income people. This situation leads to food insecurity and has implications for the health and well-being of this group. Therefore, this study aims to determine the impact of livelihood assets on the food security status of low-income households in rural Malaysia. The study was conducted among 200 low-income households in the rural areas of Kedah, Malaysia. The Partial Lease Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was used and it was found that human and social assets had a significant and positive relationship with total livelihood assets. Partial Lease Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was used and revealed that the human and social assets have a significant and positive relationship with overall livelihood assets (p<0.05) as well as the livelihood asset has a significant positive relationship with food security (p<0.01). However, physical assets, financial assets and natural assets were identified as insignificant among rural low-income households in Kedah. The findings suggest that the livelihood status of rural communities and food security should be improved, especially for low-income households in Malaysia and similar countries.

Keywords: Livelihood assets, Food security, Low-income Households, Rural area, Malaysia