SANEM survey wake-up call for policy makers

A recent survey by the South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (SANEM) has revealed that over 96 per cent of poor people in Bangladesh have cut their meat intake due to the rising prices of meat in the country. This finding is significant because it sheds light on the impact of economic policies on the food habits of the poor in developing countries like Bangladesh.

The survey found that the price of meat has increased, making it unaffordable for many poor households. As a result, most of these households have had to cut their meat intake, which has led to a decline in their overall nutrition levels.

According to recent report published in the The Business Post, SANEM made the harrowing revelation that, a staggering 96.4 per cent of the poor people have been forced to cut meat, and 88.2 per cent cut fish consumption from their day-to-day diet in the last six months. The poorer households of the survey are now more food-insecure compared to the last six-month.

The survey was conducted among 1600 households across 8 divisions of the country, from March 9 to March 18 this year. The poor households were asked about the situation of the last six months amid the high inflation.

According to the survey, the monthly average income of the families decreased up to Tk 14,025 in the last six months, while costs increased by 13.1 per cent to Tk 14,569. The figure is 13.9 per cent in urban areas. Meanwhile, food prices rose by 17.2 per cent in the last six months.

The findings of this survey are alarming because they indicate a perspective that can have adverse effects on the food habits and nutritional status of the poor. In countries like Bangladesh, where malnutrition is already a major problem, such scenario can exacerbate the problem and lead to a rise in malnutrition-related health issues.

It is important to note that meat is a major source of protein in the Bangladeshi diet, especially for the poor. Therefore, the reduction in meat intake can have severe consequences for their health. Protein is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in the body, and its deficiency can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and other health problems.

Moreover, the reduction in meat intake can also have wider economic and social implications. The livestock sector is a major source of income for many poor households in Bangladesh, and the rise in meat prices can lead to a decline in their income levels. This can exacerbate poverty and lead to further food insecurity.

The findings of this survey highlight the need for policymakers to consider the impact of economic policies on the food habits and nutritional status of the poor. Economic policies should not be designed solely to generate revenue or curb inflation but should also take into account the impact on the most vulnerable sections of society.

The findings of the SANEM should act as a wake-up call for policymakers in Bangladesh and other developing countries to consider the impact of economic policies on the food habits and nutritional status of the poor. Economic policies should not be designed in isolation but should take into account the complex interplay between the economy, food systems, and health. Failure to do so can lead to unintended consequences that exacerbate poverty, malnutrition, and food insecurity, which will have long-term implications for the economic and social development of these countries.