COPING STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY IRAYA-MANGYAN HOUSEHOLDS DURING FOOD INSECURITY IN ABRA, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the food security status of the Iraya Mangyans’ and their coping mechanisms employed. The quantitative research design was employed in the study. The modified Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity instrument and Coping Strategy Index (CSI) were used to determine the food security status and their coping mechanism. Result shows the Irayas were middle aged, have medium household size, with low level of basic education, and with an average monthly income slightly “above†the poverty threshold in the province. The Irayas experienced “food insecure without hunger†in which household food supply is adequate but there is an adjustment to household food management, including reduced quality of food and increased unusual coping patterns. The high cost of food items and low agricultural production were the “highly serious problem†on food security. Dietary change, which includes relying on less preferred and less expensive foods and consuming less variety of foods, is the most employed coping mechanism. Household monthly income and years spent in formal school are significantly related to the coping mechanisms employed during food insecurity. However, household size and age have no significant relationship.