Food Insecurity and Political Trust - A Mixed-methods Case Study from Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between individual food insecurity and trust in political institutions in Sri Lanka, using a mixed-methods approach that combines regression analysis with thematic analysis of ten semi-structured interviews. Food insecurity is measured through individuals’ coping strategies in response to food shortages and rising food prices, while political institutions include the parliament, political parties, and municipalities. A multi-dimensional theoretical framework, which draws on entitlement theory, social contract theory, and performance-based trust theory, is applied to explain how material conditions and perceived institutional performance shape political trust. The quantitative findings indicate a weak negative association between food insecurity and political trust, suggesting that individuals who experience greater food insecurity tend to have a lower trust in political institutions. The exploratory qualitative findings elaborate and nuance the relationship by revealing that respondents do not explicitly describe trust in political institutions in terms of food insecurity. Instead, their perceptions are shaped by a broader disappointment in institutional performance and unmet expectations of government support in addressing economic hardship. While causality cannot be established, the results suggest that political trust is negatively associated with structural inequalities such as food insecurity. To maintain or strengthen political trust, policies should aim to improve quality of government, enhance transparency in initiatives such as Aswesuma, and create more job opportunities.