Access to Technology to Increase Food Resilience in Rural Households in Indonesia

Abstract

Food resilience is intricately linked to household standard of living, human development, and economic growth. Higher food expenditure not only signifies improved living standards but also provides households with the necessary energy and nutrition for daily activities. The integration of technology holds promise for bolstering food resilience among households.However, there exists a gap in understanding how technology can enhance household food resilience across different socioeconomic classes, considering the diverse food expenditure patterns observed. This paper employs quantile regressions to examine the impact of technology on food resilience, accounting for heterogeneity across socio-economic classes.Utilizing data from the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) wave 5 dataset, our findings reveal varying effects of certain variables across different classes. Key contributors to food expenditure identified include income, household size, education, and engagement in agriculture as the primary source of employment. Consequently, policy interventions should prioritize expanding internet access for low-decile households residing in rural areas to effectively enhance food resilience.