Food Security and Socioeconomic Disparities of Afghan Refugees in Transitory Countries and Canada

This study aims to explore the food security status of refugees prior to and after resettlement in Canada. Using a convergent mixed-method design, quantitative (household food security assessment and socioeconomic status questionnaires) and qualitative (in-depth interviews regarding refugee experience, life challenges, and food-related challenges in both the transitory country and Canada) tools were used to evaluate the food security status of 54 Afghan refugee families resettled in Toronto, Canada. The quantitative results were completed and triangulated with the results of semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results showed that all the refugees suffered from chronic food insecurity in the transitory countries they stayed in before arriving in Canada. While the prevalence of chronic food insecurity declined in Canada, quantitative results indicated that more than 93% of the refugee households were food insecure. Low levels of education, difficulties in finding employment, and over reliance on social assistance as the main source of income were associated with household food insecurity. Qualitative findings confirmed and provided context about the experience of food insecurity among Afghan refugees in Canada. This research suggests the prevalence of food insecurity among the refugee populations is underestimated in Canadian national data. Revising the national data collection system to be more inclusive of this population is recommended. The results suggest that education and employment support programs could assist refugee households to diversify their sources of income as a means to improving food security. Also, a review of current social support programs and international refugee resettlement support policies is strongly advised to alleviate chronic food insecurity among refugees to prevent poor health outcomes and reduce future public healthcare costs.