







































American International Journal of Agricultural Studies  

Vol. 2, No. 1; 2019 

ISSN 2641-4155   E-ISSN 2641-418X 

Published by American Center of Science and Education, USA 

 

52 

 

 

Food Habit and Dietary Intake of Garment Workers in Semi-Urban 

Area of Bangladesh 

Afroza Chowdhury 

Scientific Officer 

Agricultural Economics Division 

Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur, Bangladesh. 

E-mail: afroza_muna@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

The study was conducted to assess the food habit and dietary pattern of garment workers who work at semi-urban 

area of Dhaka and Gazipur. Under the specific objectives the study tried to reveal the family background of garment 
workers, reasons of migration and involving in garment factory, monthly budgetary allocation for food, access to 

commodity market, rice consumption pattern, average food intake and changes in overall livelihood pattern. The 

result showed that,12 percent of the respondent was the only earning member of the family. Average family size of 

the respondents was 7 whereas number of dependent family member on his/her income was 3(on an average). Most 

of the respondent garment workers belong to farming community (78%). The majority (58 percent) of them were 

migrated for extreme poverty or insolvency. The finding ensured that cereals, notably rice, constitute the most 

important item of food consumed by the garment workers. Rice essentially dominated average daily food intake per 

person at 443 grams making up 52.37% of total food consumption. Among the respondent’s 36 percent took rice 

thrice a day and rice were also being consumed as snacks in different forms as well. Varietal preference of rice was 

found dependent on respondent’s budget constraints and per unit retail price.  

 

Keywords: Average daily food intake, budget for food, food habit, rice consumption. 

1. Introduction 

Although the economy of Bangladesh is largely dependent on agriculture, the Ready–Made Garments (RMG) sector 

has emerged as the biggest earner of foreign currency. The sector has experienced an exponential growth and 

contributes significantly; about 15 percent; to the GDP. It also provides employment to around 4.2 million 

Bangladeshis and uplifted the neglected section of the population; especially women; through empowerment and 

transforming their socio-economic condition (Ali R.N.et al, 2008).With a dream of living better life millions of 

workers from villages gather in workers barrack in cities surrounding the garment industries. The daily diet 

consumed by the factory workers in Bangladesh is simple; rice is dominant and most probably lacks important 

nutrients. Hence, consumption of such diet presents a risk of developing nutrient deficiency disorders (Dipti S.S. et 

al, 2008). Being the most dominant food in Bangladeshi diet, rice is the primary source of energy and several 
nutrients such as carbohydrate, protein and iron whereas it contributes relatively little of the vitamin A, calcium and 

no vitamin C (Hassan and Ahmad, 1990). 

In Bangladesh, food habit and cooking process of rice and vegetables generally leads to significant loss of 

nutrients as a result of lacking in nutritional knowledge and awareness among the mass people. Food and nutritional 

security are a focal point of deriving the livelihood. Thus, it is important to investigate the food habit and determine 

the amount of the different nutrients that an individual garment worker can derive from average daily per capita food 

intake.  

 

2. Research Objectives 

The specific objectives of the study were 

▪ To assess the socio-economic status and budget for food of garment workers in Bangladesh; and, 

▪ To investigate the food habit and dietary intake of garment workers. 

http://www.acseusa.org/journal/index.php/aijas
mailto:afroza_muna@yahoo.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Bangladesh
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GDP


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3. Research Methodology 

The study was conducted in purposively selected semi-urban areas of Savar Upazila of Dhaka and Sadar Upazila of 

Gazipur district. In total, 165 respondents were selected by random sampling. Food consumption and socio-

economic data of garment workers were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. In this study, 

quantitative method was chosen in order to get a reasonably true picture of the entire population. The data were 
collected during the period from July to September, 2019. Simple statistical techniques such as percentage and 

arithmetic mean were taken into account to analyze a substantial part of the data and to describe socioeconomic 

characteristics, food habit and dietary intake of the respondents. 

 

4. Result and Discussion 

4.1 Socio-economic Characteristics and Background of Garment Workers 

Two types of households were found in the study areas. Some of the garment workers live in workers barrack 

migrating alone; whereas others live with their family members. Among the respondent’s majority (64%) was 

female and their age ranged from 16 to 35 years. Average age of schooling and years of employment in RMG sector 

was 6 and 3, respectively. About 12 percent of the respondents reported that he/she is the only earning member of 

the family. Average family size of the respondents was 7 whereas number of dependent family member on his/her 

income was 3(on an average). Most of the respondents belong to farming community (78%) either landless tenant or 
marginal farming family (Table 1). The third and fourth community belongings identified were non-agricultural 

laborer and non-migrated local poor, respectively. 

 

Table1: Family Background of the Garment Workers 

Community Number of respondents Percentages 

Landless tenantfarming family 83 50 

Marginal farming family 46 28 

Non-agricultural Laborer  23 14 

Non-migrated Local poor 13 8 

Total 165 100 

Source: Field survey (2019)  

 

4.2 Causes of Migration  

Several factors seemed to be responsible for the migration of rural population for employment in urban garments. 

The majority (58 percent) of them were migrated for extreme poverty or insolvency. The second important factor 

was search of job or unemployment. About 18 percent of the respondents were migrated for this reason. The third 

and fourth important causes identified by the migrants were to accompany husbands at workplace and personal 
problems, respectively (Table 2). 

 

Table2: Causes of migration to Garments 

Causes of migration No. of respondents Percentages 

Extreme poverty or insolvency 96 58 

Unemployment 30 18 

Marriage/ spouse’s workplace 23 14 

Personal problems or Conflict 16 10 

Source: Field survey (2019)  

Note: Percentage may not sum to 100 percent because of multiple responses 

 

4.3 Budget for Food and Access to Commodity Market 

4.3.1 Budget for Food 

For the people of low-income group, food consumption and dietary intake is closely related to budgetary allocation 

and purchasing power. The respondents expressed their helplessness in facing the biggest challenge of balancing 

between financial ability and basic needs. The situation becomes miserable for single earners, unskilled and 
preliminary garment workers in the 1st week of every month, because of delay in getting salary. Sending money to 



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village, house rent, educational fees etc. were the major priorities in budget allocation. Whatever remains after 

meeting all other necessities was spent on food. The result revealed that, 44 percent of the respondent allocated Tk. 

51-60 for daily meals per person (Table 3). 

 

Table 3: Garment workers’ Daily Budget for Food 

Daily Budget per Person No. of respondents Percentages 

Less than Tk. 50  30 18 

Tk. 51-60 73 44 

Tk. 61-70 49 30 

Above Tk. 60 13 8 

Source: Field survey (2019)  

 

4.3.2 Access to Commodity Market 

At semi-urban and urban garment areas, vendors sell lower quality semi-rotten commodities and unappealing fruits 

at cheaper rate at evening markets. In the study areas, cent percent respondent reported that they prefer to buy day-

to-day commodities from the evening markets while coming back home. Of the total garment workers, 96 percent 

choose the evening market as it provided commodities in cheap and affordable price. A proportion of 92 percent and 

84 percent preferred it for no additional transport cost and scope of bargaining, respectively. The respondents also 

liked evening markets for other reasons such as availability of preferred commodities, freshness etc. (Table 4). 

 

Table 4: Reason for Choosing Evening Markets 

Reasons No. of respondents Percentages 

Cheap price and affordable 159 96 

Free of transport and carrying cost 151 92 

Scope of bargaining 139 84 

Fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits  56 34 

Availability of small fishes in bhaga 86 52 

Availability of dry fish 53 32 

Availability of chicken byproducts (liver, throat, skin, kidney 

etc.) in kg. 

23 14 

Formalin/ preservative-free 36 22 

Source: Field survey (2019)  

Note: Percentage may not sum to 100 percent because of multiple responses 

4.4 Food Habit and Dietary Intake 

4.4.1 Rice Consumption Behavior 

Looking into the dietary practices of the garment workers, results revealed that cereals, notably rice, constitute the 

most important item of food consumed in the study areas. Parboiled rice was served as major staple to 96 percent of 

the respondent while a small percentage was served wheat flour and un-parboiled rice. Among the respondent’s 36 

percent took rice thrice a day. Boiling rice in excess water and discarding the gruel was found common practices and 

reported by 72 percent respondents. Varietal preference of rice was found dependent on respondent’s budget 

constraints and per unit retail price. Cooking quality and taste of rice was preferred than grain shape and appearance. 

The study results hardly found dis-similarities among the interviewees regarding rice consumption behavior. 

Rice is also being consumed as snacks in different forms like Moori (puffed rice), Chira (flattened rice), 

Khoi, Chal-vaja, Khud (broken rice) and Pitha (cakes made of rice flour).  

 

 

 



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Table 4: Consumption Pattern of Different Rice Items 

Rice Items Percentage of respondent 

Regular Consumption Occasional Consumption 

Parboiled Rice  96 - 

Un-parboiled Rice 4 64 

Moori/ puffed rice 100 - 

Chira/ flattened rice 40 60 

Khoi - 76 

Rooti (bread of rice flour) 14 100 

Chal-vaja and Khud (broken rice) 10 90 

Gruel - 10 

Panta /Left-over rice - 30 

Pitha (cakes made of rice flour). - 100 

Source: Field survey (2019)  

 

4.4.2 Food Consumption Pattern 

Average per capita food consumption pattern of garment workers was highest for cereals and cereal products 

followed by vegetables and tubers. Rice essentially dominated daily food intake at 443 grams making up 52.37% of 

it. Milk and milk products, egg and meat were consumed only occasionally in a small amount.  Fruit intake was 

mainly seasonal and includes banana, mango, jackfruit, guava, black berry and other locally produced less-

expensive ones. The least consumed food groups were vegetables, fish, pulse, sugar, edible oil etc. 

Table 5: Average per capita per day food intake of garment workers 

Items 

Average per Capita per Day Food 

Intake (grams) 

Percentages of Total 

Consumption 

Rice and rice products 443.6 52.37 

Wheat and other Cereals 27.1 3.20 

Potato, starchy root and tubers 55.2 6.52 

Pulse 24.9 2.94 

Sugar/ Gur 7.5 0.89 

Edible Oil  17.2 2.03 

Vegetables 162.1 19.14 

Fruits 13.5 1.59 

Fish, dried fish and Meat 40.05 4.73 

Eggs 6.04 0.71 

Milk and milk products 23 2.72 

Spices and condiments 10.9 1.29 

Miscellaneous (tea, soft drinks, 
snacks, betel leaf etc.) 

15.9 
1.88 

Total Food Consumed 847 100 

Source: Field survey (2019)  

 

Comparing the average per capita per day food intake of garment workers with the daily requirement (as 

per BAN-HDRB 2007) it is clear that they are consuming food items; except rice; in a lesser amount than required 

(fig. 1). Rice is being consumed in a higher rate (26.74 percent) than the daily requirement of 350 grams. This 

pattern of imbalanced consumption may lead to serious malnutrition and health hazards. 



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Figure 1: Comparison of Daily Food Intake with the Requirement 

4.4.3 Changes in Overall Livelihood Pattern  

In order to identify the overall socioeconomic improvement in the livelihood of household, the respondents were 

asked about their opinion for their overall socioeconomic change that might have taken place due to involving in 

garment factory. Table 6 reveals that 64 percent of the respondents reported that their socio-economic conditions 

had improved due to involving in garment factory, while 36 percent responded no change in their overall 

socioeconomic condition has taken place. Rising inflation, replaying loan and increasing family expectation were 

the main reasons reported by the respondents who had the negative responses. 

Table 6: Changes in overall livelihood pattern  

Types of changes No. of respondents Percentages 

Improved 105 64 

Not Improved 60 36 

Total 165 100 

Source: Field survey (2019)  

 

5. Conclusion  

The study was conducted to assess the food habit and dietary pattern of garment workers who work at Dhaka and 

Gazipur. Under the specific objectives the study tried to reveal the family background of garment workers, reasons 

of migration and involving in garment factory, monthly budgetary allocation for food, access to commodity market, 

rice consumption pattern, average food intake and changes in overall livelihood pattern. The result showed that,12 

percent of the respondent was the only earning member of the family. Average family size of the respondents was 7 

whereas number of dependent family member on his/her income was 3(on an average). Most of the respondent 
garment workers belong to farming community (78%). The majority (58 percent) of them were migrated for extreme 

poverty or insolvency. The finding ensured that cereals, notably rice, constitute the most important item of food 

consumed by the garment workers. Rice essentially dominated average daily food intake per person at 443 grams 

making up 52.37% of total food consumption. Among the respondent’s 36 percent took rice thrice a day and rice 



www.acseusa.org/journal/index.php/aijas          American International Journal of Agricultural Studies            Vol. 2, No. 1; 2019 
 

57 

 

 

were also being consumed as snacks in different forms as well. Varietal preference of rice was found dependent on 

respondent’s budget constraints and per unit retail price.  

 

6. Recommendation 

Current condition of the garment workers would not improve if their earning couldn’t be balanced with the living 
cost. Price of daily necessities need to be controlled. Government should supply subsidized daily needs at the 

industrial areas of Bangladesh. Enriching rice varieties with micro nutrients like vitamins, minerals would be a 

potential solution to ensuring food as well as nutritional security of the garment workers.  

 

References  

Ali, R. N., Begum, M. M., Salehim, K. S., & Farid, K. S. (2008). Livelihood pattern of rural women garment 

workers at Dhaka city. Journal of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, 6(452-2016-35506). 

Dipti, S. S., Tuazon, M. A. G., & Kabir, K. A. (2008). Nutritional Status of the Members of the Factory Worker-

Headed Households of Four Villages of Gazipur District. Journal of Agriculture & Rural Development, 

6(1), 119-124. 

Hassan, N., & Ahmad, K. (1984). Studies on food and nutrient intake by rural population of Bangladesh: 

comparison between intakes of 1962–64, 1975–76 and 1981–82. Ecology of food and nutrition, 15(2), 

143-158. 

 

 

Copyrights  

Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal. This is an 

open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license 

(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). 


