Hunger in the City: Lived Experiences of Food Insecurity in Informal Urban Settlements of Islamabad

Abstract

Urban food insecurity has emerged as a critical challenge in rapidly urbanizing contexts, where economically marginalized households face persistent barriers to accessing sufficient and nutritious food despite its market availability. This study investigates the lived experiences of food insecurity among residents of informal settlements in Barakahu, Islamabad, with particular attention to food access, coping practices, and the broader social and emotional implications of hunger. Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws on 20 in-depth interviews with adult household members responsible for food provision. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurrent patterns and meanings embedded in participants’ narratives. The findings indicate that food insecurity is primarily shaped by structural vulnerabilities, including unstable informal employment, escalating food prices, and limited access to formal social protection mechanisms. Households employ a range of coping strategies, such as reducing meal frequency, substituting with lower-quality foods, and relying on informal borrowing networks, often prioritizing children’s nutritional needs over adults. Beyond material deprivation, food insecurity generates psychological distress, anxiety, and intra-household tensions, underscoring its multidimensional nature. While community-based support systems provide temporary relief, their sustainability remains limited. The study concludes that urban food insecurity in Barakahu is rooted in systemic economic precarity, highlighting the need for integrated policy responses focused on livelihood enhancement, expanded social protection, and equitable access to affordable, nutritious food in marginalized urban settings.