Purpose- This study aims to analyze the spatial patterns of poverty and food insecurity in rural areas of Iran, focusing on their current status and the key determinants affecting household food security in 2023. The research seeks to provide an evidence-based foundation for designing targeted policies to reduce poverty and improve food security in rural regions. Design/Methods/Approach- The study calculates household food security indicators for rural areas of Iran using the Aggregate Household Food Security Index (AHFSI) and a calorie-based criterion. Food poverty is assessed using the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) index, which is then used to map the spatial distribution of rural food poverty. To identify determinants of food insecurity, a logistic regression model is applied, incorporating socio-economic and demographic household characteristics. Findings- The AHFSI for rural areas in 2023 was 68.8, indicating a low level of food security compared to over 90 in the early 2000s. Food poverty has increased substantially, with the poverty rate reaching 50.3%, compared to about 40% in the early 2000s. The poverty gap and poverty severity were estimated at 14.2% and 5.8%, respectively. Spatial analysis revealed significant disparities, with provinces such as Gilan, Hormozgan, and West Azerbaijan experiencing the highest food poverty levels, while Ilam, Semnan, and Kermanshah showed relatively better conditions. The logistic model results indicated that factors such as household head’s age, dietary diversity, employment, subsidies, and income significantly improve food security, whereas gender and education of the household head showed no significant effect. Larger household size was associated with higher food insecurity. Practical implications- The findings highlight an alarming decline in rural food security over the past two decades, driven by reduced dietary diversity, rising poverty, and reliance on low-cost, low-nutrition foods. Policymakers should adopt region-specific strategies, focusing on job creation, income enhancement, dietary diversification, and reforming the subsidy system to improve rural food security. Original/Value - This study provides one of the most recent and comprehensive spatial analyses of rural poverty and food insecurity in Iran, combining national and provincial-level indicators with econometric modeling. By integrating spatial mapping with socio-economic determinants, it offers valuable insights for evidence-based, targeted policy interventions in rural food security.
