Impact of COVID-19 on Food Consumption Patterns among Rural Households in the Northeast of Thailand.

Abstract

This paper aims to examine changes in food consumption patterns within rural communities and the effects of the COVID-19 situation on household food expenditure.  The study utilizes secondary data from TVSEP for quantitative statistical analysis, supplemented by primary qualitative data obtained through in-depth interviews.  The results show that rural food consumption patterns have continually evolved, primarily due to economic development and infrastructure improvements.  These changes have several impacts.  On the positive side, rural residents now enjoy a more diverse, convenient, and hygienic diet. However, the downside includes careless consumption behaviors, resulting in diet-related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, which pose significant health concerns for rural populations that have fewer healthcare facilities compared to urban areas.  Additionally, changes in consumption habits may lead to the disappearance of certain traditional foods, as younger generations tend to prefer convenient foods.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, short term issues related to food accessibility were observed. In the long run, however, the COVID-19 situation had positive effects, as rural residents became more cautious about hygienic food consumption, potentially leading to better health outcomes.  Econometric results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic led rural households to reduce expenditures across all categories.  However, food remains a necessity for survival, resulting in a higher proportion of food expenditure compared to less essential goods.  The research suggests that stakeholders should focus on preserving local food traditions, being cautious about nutrition-related diseases, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources among rural populations