Are remittances a buffer against food insecurity? Lessons from a national survey in Bangladesh

Abstract

Food insecurity continues to be a major global challenge, affecting many people worldwide. Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable due to its susceptibility to frequent climate shocks and socioeconomic challenges. This study investigates the causal relationship between remittance receipt and food security through a comprehensive analysis. Using data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2022, we developed a food security index incorporating calorie intake, dietary diversity, food expenditure, and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) score. Advanced statistical methods, including Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR), Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial, linear regression model, inverse-probability-weighting (IPW), and doubly robust method were employed to identify the factors associated with food security and assess the causal effect of remittance earning. Our findings reveal a strong and positive causal effect of remittance receipt on food security. The observed causal effect remained robust against model misspecification and unmeasured confounders, as confirmed through sensitivity analysis. Key factors such as wealth index, residence type, regional differences, household head’s education, and number of earners also influenced food security outcomes. However, the significance of variables like land ownership, household head’s age, and sex varied across measures. This study highlights the transformative role of remittances in reducing food insecurity. Policies that support remittance flows, improve rural infrastructure, and promote skill development and financial literacy can further strengthen their impact.