Tag Archives: Food Insecurity

xxx E. Bisetsa, P. Burny, G. Bititi, I. Mumararungu, J. Rwirahira and E. Rutabagaya
Bolstering household resilience to food insecurity in protracted crisis: the Case of Upper-Nile State, South Sudan
Abstract |
Full text PDF (1,001 KB)

Bolstering household resilience to food insecurity in protracted crisis: the Case of Upper-Nile State, South Sudan

E. Bisetsa¹*, P. Burny¹, G. Bititi², I. Mumararungu¹, J. Rwirahira¹ and E. Rutabagaya¹

¹University of Liege, Laboratory of Economics and Rural Development, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Gembloux, Belgium
²University of Rwanda, College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), Huye, Rwanda
*Correspondence: ebisetsa@doct.uliege.be

Abstract:

This study assessed food insecurity in four counties of Upper Nile State using the Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Household Hunger Scale (HHS). It also ascertained the coping mechanisms adopted by households in response to food insecurity using the Reduced Coping Strategy Index (rCSI), it also formulated recommendations to bolster the ability of households to withstand food insecurity. Quantitative data were collected through a structured household survey of 440 randomly selected respondents from 21 payams using two-stage cluster sampling with probability proportionate to size. Qualitative data were gathered via focus group discussions and interviews with community leaders. The findings reveal alarming food insecurity levels. Over half (55%) of households fall into the poor FCS category, characterized by minimal dietary diversity and insufficient protein, fruits, and vegetables, while 34.3% are borderline, and only 10.7% achieve acceptable dietary standards. The HHS shows 76.1% of households experience moderate hunger, reflecting significant health and well-being challenges. Coping mechanisms reveal further distress, with Baliet County reporting the highest mean rCSI (21.5), followed by Ulang (20.7), Melut (19.3), and Nasir (18.9). These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include promoting resilience through diversified livelihood activities such as small-scale agriculture, poultry, and goat-rearing, coupled with training and resource provision. Investments in drought-resistant seeds, improved farming techniques, and market access initiatives are essential. Additionally, community-based projects to rehabilitate irrigation systems and provide agricultural extension services could help sustain food security. The FCS, HHS, and rCSI metrics offer crucial insights into the extent and nature of food insecurity, guiding efforts to support the most vulnerable populations in Upper Nile State.

Key words:

, , , ,



921–934 L. Valešová, D. Herák, K. Shinoda, J. Mazancová and V. Verner
The nexus between food insecurity and socioeconomic characteristics of rural households in Western Indonesia identified with Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance´s approach by USAID
Abstract |
Full text PDF (288 KB)

The nexus between food insecurity and socioeconomic characteristics of rural households in Western Indonesia identified with Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance´s approach by USAID

L. Valešová¹*, D. Herák², K. Shinoda³, J. Mazancová⁴ and V. Verner¹

¹Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Department of Economics and Development, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, CZ 16521, Czech Republic
²Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, CZ 16521, Czech Republic
³Institut Teknologi Del, Faculty of Biotechnology and Agricultural Engineering, Jl. Sisingamangaraja, Laguboti, North Sumatra, ID 22381, Indonesia
⁴Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Department of Sustainable Technologies, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, CZ 16521, Czech Republic
*Correspondence: valesoval@ftz.czu.cz

Abstract:

This study investigated correlation and regression analyses designed to asses the respective relationships between the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale/ Prevalence (HFIAS/ HFIAP) as a measure of food access, the Household Dietary Diversity Score, the Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning (MAHFP) as a measure of food stability and (i) gender, (ii) education level, (iii) household income and (iv) agricultural strategies of households in North Sumatra province. Cross-sectional survey was conducted in Tobasa and Samosir Regency and its purpose was (1) to assess the food security status of rural households (N = 192), (2) to identify the influence of selected factors on their food security condition and (3) to deliver outcomes which might play an important role in establishing appropriate policies and intervention strategy to prevent and reduce food insecurity. Due to the proven applicability in many studies, Food and Nutrition Technical Assitance’s method was implemented for the comprehensive household food security analysis. The findings showed that 51.6% (n = 99) households were considered as moderately or severely food insecure, 18.8% of the sample as mildly food insecure (n = 36) and less than a third (n = 57) of households was food secure. Further analysis investigated the correlation between household food security status and selected variables. The results higlighted the role of rural education, agriculture extension services, creation of employment opportunities and improved dietary diversity in reducing household food insecurity.

Key words:

, , ,