Rice-Based Household Food Security in Benteng Subdistrict, Selayar Islands Regency: Evidence from Availability, Access, and Utilization Dimensions

Abstract

Rice is the main staple food for most households in Indonesia; therefore, its availability, access, and utilization are important dimensions of household food security. This study aimed to analyze rice-based household food security in Benteng Subdistrict, Selayar Islands Regency, based on the dimensions of rice availability, access, and utilization. A descriptive quantitative approach with a survey design was employed. The sample consisted of 199 households selected from 7,726 households using simple random sampling. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire, while secondary data were obtained from institutional documents and scientific literature. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's rho correlation, and ordinal regression. The results show that rice availability, access, and utilization were generally in the very high category. Spearman's rho indicated positive and significant relationships between rice-based household food security and rice availability (r = 0.761; p < 0.001), rice access (r = 0.703; p < 0.001), and rice utilization (r = 0.846; p < 0.001). Ordinal regression further indicated that the three dimensions were positively associated with the likelihood of households being in a higher rice-based food security category. Rice utilization was the dominant dimension (B = 4.920; p < 0.001; OR = 137.00), followed by rice availability (B = 1.835; p < 0.001; OR = 6.27) and rice access (B = 1.116; p = 0.016; OR = 3.05). These findings suggest that strengthening rice-based household food security in an archipelagic area requires attention to supply continuity, price affordability, and household capacity to manage rice consumption efficiently.