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AbstractLivelihood diversification is relevant in poverty reduction, improve food security and a means of coping mechanism and risk management for survival of households. The research intended to examine the dynamics of livelihood diversification and food security over time, investigate the determinant factors of participation rate among household heads on livelihood diversification and to examine its effect on food security of rural and town households of Ethiopia based on the secondary data of Ethiopia living standard measurement survey. Balanced panel data employed enclosing a total 3729 samples representing national level of Ethiopia. The study used the descriptive analysis, Simpson diversification index and random effect logit model. Dynamics of livelihood diversification and food security observed over time. The random logistic regression model revealed that, household size, gender (female) and distance to market affect the livelihood diversification positively & significantly. Whereas, Age of household head, location (rural), distance to main road, credit access, assistance and experience of shocks influenced the probability of livelihood diversification negatively and significantly. Households who experienced shock and engaged in diversified livelihood have lower food security than being a diversified alone. Policy makers and other stakeholders need to integrate on implementations of livelihood strategies to improve food security, building resilience and vibrant economy.

This paper investigates the impact of dairy product marketing on household food security in Jimma Zone Ethiopia. A quasi-experimental research design was applied through the use of a cross-sectional data type. In order to identify the study kebeles and 266 respondents, a multi-stage sampling procedure was conducted, and the data was gathered through interview schedules. Descriptive statistics, Binary logit, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) models were used to analyze the data. From the randomly selected households about 54.9% were participated in milk marketing. The study discovered that family size, livestock size, off-farm engagement, access to dairy input, ownership of crossbreed cows, and cooperative membership significantly and positively influenced dairy product market participation. Conversely, age, education level, and market distance had a negative effect. The results of PSM indicated that dairy product market participation had a positive impact on the household food consumption score and dietary diversity, increasing them by 16.38% and 15.42%, respectively. All in all, the research found that milk market participation has a meaningful effect on household food security, and so measures like Innovations to increase dairy production and productivity, and cooperative membership should be promoted to strengthen the participation of smallholder dairy farmers in the area. The study can offer empirical evidence on the contribution of dairy product market participation to household food security.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition are epidemiologically interrelated two major public health problems in India. Food security also influences nutritional status. This aspect needs evaluation in diverse geographical areas. This study aimed to assess the level of food security, nutritional status and correlates among adult TB patients in a block of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Nabagram block of Murshidabad district during April–July 2023. All adult (≥18 years) patients registered under the Tuberculosis Unit of the block during a reference period of 6 months (October 2022–March 2023) were considered study subjects. Eighty such eligible participants recruited randomly were interviewed with a pre-designed schedule for socio-demographic and programmatic characteristics. Household food security was measured using a validated U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and nutritional status was determined based on body mass index. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for analysis. Results: Among 80 TB patients, 51% were underweight and 20% were severely underweight. The majority (90%) of them had high or marginal food security, and 10% had low or very low food security. On multivariable logistic regression, Hindu religion (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12–29.39), presence of any chronic morbidity (AOR: 11.61, 95%CI: 2.71–49.78) and receipt of dietary counselling by a health worker (AOR: 7.25, 95%CI: 1.22–43.13) appeared as predictors of underweight. Conclusions: Underweight among TB patients is quite prevalent in the area, and few programmatic interventions are influencing factors. This underscores the importance of nutritional counselling services and the universal provision of Poshan benefits.

This study assesses the effects of climate change adaptation strategies (CCAS) on household food security among smallholder poultry farmers (SPFs). Using a multi-stage sampling approach, 360 smallholder farmers were surveyed through questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). Percentages, mean score, and endogenous switching probit model (ESPM) were employed for analysis, shedding light on the relationship between adaptation strategies and food security. The probit regression revealed significant influences of sex, age, infrastructure, and external organizations on the adoption decisions of CCAS among SPFs. It further showed that adaptation strategies; water ventilation, traditional practices, medicines and vitamins have a significant impact on the HFS. Therefore, it is advised that policies be put in place to help SPFs make better choices regarding the use of CCAS, and these strategies should be included in policies and investment plans. To enhance the circumstances in which farmers can obtain knowledge about climate change, stakeholders and the government must work together.

This study assesses the effects of climate change adaptation strategies (CCAS) on household food security among smallholder poultry farmers (SPFs). Using a multi-stage sampling approach, 360 smallholder farmers were surveyed through questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). Percentages, mean score, and endogenous switching probit model (ESPM) were employed for analysis, shedding light on the relationship between adaptation strategies and food security. The probit regression revealed significant influences of sex, age, infrastructure, and external organizations on the adoption decisions of CCAS among SPFs. It further showed that adaptation strategies; water ventilation, traditional practices, medicines and vitamins have a significant impact on the HFS. Therefore, it is advised that policies be put in place to help SPFs make better choices regarding the use of CCAS, and these strategies should be included in policies and investment plans. To enhance the circumstances in which farmers can obtain knowledge about climate change, stakeholders and the government must work together.

Abstract This study assessed the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Macro data on 29 indicators was collected to identify food insecure districts, and after identification of most food insecure region, i.e. Bundelkhand region, micro data was collected from an intensive field survey. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select study sites and respondents. A total of 240 sample households of various land sizes and income groups were contacted to collect data using a well-structured and pre-tested schedule. The study findings revealed that districts belonging to the Bundelkhand region are highly food insecure compared with other regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. Micro-level findings indicate that households in the Lalitpur district are relatively food insecure compared to those in the Jhansi district. The results suggest that ongoing future government responses should focus on structural changes in food security by developing responsive packages to cushion members pushed into food insecurity by such pandemics.

Abstract Background Crop diversification is the potential for greater dietary diversity, and reduced micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition. Despite the increasing global concern of improving food security, the nature and extent of food security at the household level in rural areas are not well-documented. This paper determines the factors that influence crop diversification and its association with food security which helps policy maker to take proper steps in norther part of Bangladesh. Methods The effect of crop diversification on household food security in northern Bangladesh was measured by adopting the Herfindahl index (HI). Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Household Food Insecurity Access Score (HFIAS) were used to determine the food security status. The binary logistic regression model and multinominal logit model were performed to identify the factors influencing crop diversification and food security, respectively. All these analyses were performed based on 609 household samples collected from six northern districts of Bangladesh. Results Descriptive statistics show that the majority of farmers in the study districts reported 12–13 different crops, while only farmers in Bogura mentioned 19 different crops grown in their field. After calculating crop diversification using HI index, it is apparent that about 64% respondents irrespective of region produced different types of crops and around one third of them possessed in the middle categories neither they were fully crop diversified nor non crop-diversified. About 40% households had better Food Consumption Score lead to only 3.28% belonged to below poverty line and rest of the household fall in borderline. The analysis confirm that the crop diversified households were found to be more food secured or marginal food secured then that of less crop diversified households. Conclusion and policy recommendation We may infer from the factor analysis that, in line with the government policy to raise significantly the standard of living of the farmers, government should facilitate and encourage farmers to grow several crops rather than just one and provide training opportunities. In addition, food insecure people as well as the low food secure group might overcome their circumstances if the government places greater emphasis on education, training, and off-farm activities by providing financial support.

This study examines urban household food security through the simultaneous use of two quantitative measures. A sample of 445 household data was analyzed. Using principal component analysis, the urbanicity index categorizes households by level of urbanization. About 39% of households had diverse diets (DD), and 75% spent above the required food expenditure plan (FEXP). The Food insecure (FIS) was in low urban category (LUC) on both measures, while the food secure ones were in middle urban category (MUC). Multinomial logit regression analysis shows that income and urbanicity index influenced the probability of a household being in any of the food security groups.

Abstract Background Food insecurity and malnutrition are persistent challenges worldwide and Lesotho is not an exception. Hunger and poverty have worsened with the dawn of COVID-19 pandemic and on-going Russia–Ukraine war. The study seeks to assess food security and associated socio-economic factors among farming households in Lesotho. Household food security has been assessed using Household Food Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). Questionnaires were employed to collect data from 236 farming households. Results The HFIAS results show that 40% of the farming households were food secure, 18% were mildly food insecure, 32% were moderately food insecure and 10% were severely food secure and severe food insecurity mostly experienced in the highlands. HDDS results indicated that the farming households had consumed 8 to 12 food groups 7 days prior to data collection, the mean HDDS is 9.68. Households that are involved in commercial farming had more (9.98) diverse diets than those in subsistence farming (8.67). Households in the highlands have the lowest diet diversity (9.0) among the four agro-ecological zones. A logistic regression analysis indicated that the socio-economic factors associated with food security were household income, household size, marital status and education status of the respondent. Conclusions The findings depict that over half (60%) of the farming households experience varied degrees of food insecurity. Contrary to this, the farming households had consumed highly varied diets in the past 7 days. The socio-economic factors that influence the attainment of food security household food security were household size, household income, education and marital status. The findings suggest that agricultural development interventions must be more sensitive to household food security and nutrition, which includes training farmers on nutrition and food security issues. Furthermore, socio-economic factors must be considered in the development of interventions, since they influence the food security of the farming households.

Abstract Background Women empowerment and food security are supposed to be two mutually reinforcing goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations. However, the measurement of women’s empowerment and its relationship with household food security in the agricultural context is too limited, especially in Ethiopia. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of women’s empowerment in agriculture on household food security in the Gamo zone of Ethiopia. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from 385 dual-adult households, selected through a multistage random sampling procedure from two districts—Chencha and Kucha of Gamo zone in Ethiopia. The data were collected on the sample households’ demographic, socioeconomic, women empowerment, food consumption and livelihood activities—crop production, livestock holding and off-farm participation by interviewing both primary male and female decision-makers from each household. Household food security was measured using Calorie Availability, Household Food Consumption and Dietary Diversity Score, while women’s empowerment in agriculture was measured using the Abbreviated Women Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Ordinary Least Square, Two-Stage Least Square, Poisson and Instrumental Variable Poisson regression were used as analytical models. Results Our study shows that increases in women’s empowerment are positively and significantly associated with all food security indicators—adult equivalent calorie availability, household-level food consumption and dietary diversity. The result also shows that food security is positively related to the proportion of adult household members, age and education of primary female, landholding size, crop diversification, food crop production, the number of dairy cows owned and off-farm participation. However, food security is negatively related to household size. Conclusion The implication of the finding is that stakeholders should give due attention to promoting women’s empowerment and eliminating the gender gap in agriculture through appropriate gender mainstreaming intervention in dual-adult households. Food security programmes could also gain from prioritizing female education and promoting agricultural diversification (crop and livestock) and off-farm income diversification strategies as valuable investments to improve household food security. This study is the first application of the Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index in Ethiopia as a predictor to household food security, and contributes to the women’s empowerment–household food security nexus literature in developing countries.

This article focuses on the issues of food security which arise with acuteness in Burkina Faso. It investigated especially the influence of social capital on food and nutritional security of rural households in the north-central region of Burkina Faso. For this, the Catholic Relief Services database, collected in 2011 from a sample of 434 households, is used to construct the Food Consumption Score and two social capital indicators (cognitive and structural). A logistic model is then estimated and the results show that only the structural aspects of social capital strengthen households' food security. In particular, they show that households receiving transfers, who can count on the help of their relatives, and who participate in farmers’ organizations meetings are more likely to be food secure (OR = 1.959). Thus, to achieve food security, it is necessary to promote social support networks and strengthen farmers' organizations.

Background: Food insecurity is recognized as a serious public health problem worldwide. Since pregnant women are among the most vulnerable groups and their food insecurity may cause complications during pregnancy and on their newborns, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between food security and body mass index (BMI) of pregnant women in eastern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 pregnant women in 10 health centers in the east of Iran. Participants were selected by random cluster sampling. Data were collected using standard questionnaires including 18-item household food security survey module (HFSSM) designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and nutritional evaluation forms. Results: The mean scores of the HFSSM of all pregnant women were 7.2±4.3. The household food security of pregnant women was significantly related to the occupation of spouses, mother's education, monthly salary, private home, and mother's age (P

Efforts to realize household food security in Pekanbaru City are still not optimal, because there are still food insecure households. This study aims to identify and evaluate internal and external factors and formulate strategies to improve household food security in Pekanbaru City. This research uses qualitative research methods with data collection techniques: interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and documentation studies. The data analysis techniques used are evaluation of internal and external factors and SWOT analysis. The results of this study identified 26 strategic factors to improve household food security consisting of 12 internal factors and 14 external factors. The most important internal factor is the availability of food is quite good while the most important external factor is a strategic geographical location. Based on the results of the evaluation of internal and external factors, the strategy to improve household food security is in quadrant III with strategies to overcome weaknesses by taking advantage of opportunities. This study recommends five alternative W-O strategies which are then elaborated into several action plans to improve household food security in Pekanbaru City.

AbstractThe relationship between income diversification and food security gained considerable attention in the academic literature in the last two decades. Smallholder farmers undertake income diversification activities to ensure improved food security amidst changing patterns of climate and rural socio-demographics. Understanding challenges of smallholder farmers in income diversification strategies is critical to assess the effectiveness of food security measures in savannah regions threatened by weather variability and environmental shocks. The aim of this study is to shed light on the challenges of income diversification in Northern rural Ghana and to add to the growing body of research seeking to understand the challenges of income diversification and its link to food security status of smallholder farmers in the deprived context of rural Africa. By exploiting a unique sample of 500 agricultural households in rural Ghana, we show that income diversification and food security status of smallholders is positively related for both food access and nutritional diversity. Our results show that income diversification played a significant role in improving food access and dietary consumption. Highly diversified households were more likely to report being food secure as higher income diversification translated into higher incomes and food security. The single most important factor which stood out as an explanatory variable for food security in Northern rural Ghana was spousal incomes generated from diversification. Spousal incomes accounted for (29.2%) of the share of total household incomes used to purchase food for farm families in distress seasons. The findings support the use of spousal income diversification pathways as a means of reducing the negative impacts of food insecurity in the Yendi and Bimbilla Municipalities of Northern Region. The study highlights the need for Ghana’s economic policy frameworks to address the following three cardinal challenges of income diversification : (1) poor access to start-up capital or funds, (2) poor condition of infrastructure, and (3) high costs of transportation, directly linked to the under development of Northern Ghana.

Purpose – This study examines the adoption drivers of scale-appropriate mechanization in Nepal's maize-based farming systems. The authors also assess the contribution of scale-appropriate mechanization to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of zero hunger (SDG2) and no poverty (SDG1). Design/methodology/approach – Propensity score matching and doubly robust inverse probability-weighted regression adjusted methods were applied to estimate the effects of mini-tiller adoption. These methods control the biases that arise from observed heterogeneities between mini-tillers users and nonusers. Findings – The study findings show that farm size, labor shortages, draft animal scarcity, market proximity, household assets and household heads' educational level influence the adoption of mechanization in Nepal. Mechanized farms exhibited enhanced maize productivity, profits and household food self-sufficiency. Reduced depth and severity of poverty were also observed. Nevertheless, these effects were not uniform; very small farms (≤0.41 ha) facing acute labor shortages benefited the most. Research limitations/implications – The study results suggest that policymakers in developing nations like Nepal may wish to expand their emphasis on scale-appropriate mechanization to improve farm productivity and household food security, reduce poverty and contribute to the SDGs. Originality/value – This first-of-its-kind study establishes the causal effects between scale-appropriate farm mechanization and SDG1 (no poverty) and SDG2 (zero hunger) in a developing nation.

Highlights 1. Egyptian rural women work significantly longer hours than men in total subsistence labor, shouldering most of the nonagricultural subsistence labor. 2. Although more rural women are engaged in agricultural subsistence labor tasks compared to men, rural men who confirm their involvement in subsistence labor spend significantly more time agricultural subsistence than women. 3. However, the impact of hours spent in subsistence agriculture by women in the household on the probability of their household’s food security was higher than that of men.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic and recent international crises including the Russia-Ukraine conflict have resulted in significant disruptions along multiple segments of the Caribbean’s agri-food system, thus compromising regional food security. These impacts are still ongoing with the potential to worsen. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sociodemographic factors on consumers’ knowledge of food security along with their attitude, and perception towards the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security in the Caribbean Small Island Developing States.MethodA cross-sectional on-line survey was conducted between January 1 and November 30, 2021. The sampled population included consumers from nine Caribbean countries (Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Survey data were analyzed using Chi-square, one way analysis of variance, and univariate logistic regression.Results and discussionA total of 237 consumers participated in the survey. Consumers were generally knowledgeable about food security and had favorable attitudes and perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security. Significant associations (p

This paper assesses the level and the determinants of household food security in Togo using Unified Questionnaire on Basic Indicators of Well-Being. Data were analyzed using the Forster-Greer-Thorbecke estimation method and logistic regression. Results show that the incidence of food insecurity in Togo is 59%. This incidence is 67% in rural areas against 53% in urban areas. Being literate, household size, access to health services, proximity to the market and food price shock are the determinants of household food security status in Togo. Therefore, to effectively address the food security problem in Togo, food pricing and decent employment creation policies should be considered to improve household income. Family planning policies are also important to promote. All these policies must take into account the most vulnerable and marginalized groups such as the poor, rural residents and women.

Determinant of stunting in children 2-3 aged years in Ciamis District West Java Province Background: The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia is still high (at 37,2%), while in the province of West Java is at 35,8%. Household food security is one of the indirect causes of the nutritional problems. Aspects of food security in the form of food availability and access to food are related in a household that affects the aspect of the level of food consumption in every household or individual that is not being met. Objective: The study aims to analyze whether household food security was the determinant of stunting in children aged 2-3 years in Ciamis Districts. Methods: This was an observational study with a case-control design. Subjects in this research are households. Information from a total of 349 households, i.e. 168 had stunted and 181 without stunted children, were collected. Respondents consisted of mothers, fathers, and children aged 2-3 years in Ciamis District. Subjects were selected using quota sampling. Data were analyzed using t-test and logistic regression. Results: Food availability, food access, energy, and protein consumption were not associated with stunting (p>0,05). There were significant differences between the average height (Z-score) of children based on the father's height, the mother's height, and the mother's education level (p 0,05). Conclusion: This study observed that household food security was not the determinant of stunting. After controlling for potential confounders, the children's heights were independently associated with parental heights and maternal education.

Research Background: Access and consumption of adequate food are essential components of development goals. Agriculture is expected to play an important role in ensuring food security by increasing the availability of food at the household level. Ethiopia is attempting to enhance agricultural production and productivity to combat food insecurity. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of adopting improved wheat varieties on food security in Girar Jarso Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Methods: First multistage sampling techniques were used to select a target sample of 192 households, 90 adopters, and 102 non-adopters. Three kebeles were selected at random from Girar Jarso Woreda based on wheat crop cultivation. Primary and secondary sources were used to acquire both qualitative and quantitative data. The data was gathered through a household survey, key informant interviews with sample farmers, focus group discussions, and a review of reports. The researchers utilized a logit model to identify factors influencing wheat variety adoption, and the Household Food Balance Model (HFBM) was utilized to calculate net available food at the household level. A Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique is also employed to quantify the impact of improved wheat varieties on households' food security. Findings, Value-added & Novelty: The findings demonstrated that education level, involvement in training, demonstration, and field day events, distance to market, access to market information, and farmer cooperative membership all had a substantial impact on the adoption of improved wheat varieties. Hidase, Digelu, Dandeha, and Kubsa were improved wheat varieties planted by adopters in the study region during the 2017/2018 crop year. Adopting improved wheat varieties has the potential to increase food availability at the household level, which is a good indicator of food security.

The purpose of this scientific article is to research the important issues of food supply in Ukraine at the regional level by diagnosing the current state of food ensuring based on a survey of relevant respondents with the purpose to improve the level of socio-economic development of the country in the long run. In research have been interviewed households from Kyiv of Ukraine according to the following main criteria: physical and economic conditions, food availability, supply and access to food consumption to evaluate household food security status by calculating the sample size, a few details about the target population, its size, variance, margin of error and desired level of confidence in empirical estimates of important variables. In this research, the Minimum Dietary Energy Requirement (MDER) and a threshold that shows the minimum amount of energy needed by a hypothetical average person in the population to be healthy and engage in socially acceptable levels of activity have been examined. The state of nutritional food security in terms of protein, carbohydrate, and fat consumption has been investigated. The main aspect of the results approved that almost half of the respondents are showing conditions of life for them as “just adequate and few people seem not to be satisfied showing «less than adequate». These results are important from the viewpoint of food security as adequate food intake; availability and sustainability are the main components of food security and show the quality-of-life status. It is proved that at the present stage of national economic status human development plays an important role in achieving long-term food security goals. It has been established that in order to attain sustainable food safety at the national level, it is important to improve the population's health condition and to change the existing food consumption models in the country, in households in particular the food basket containing imported foodstuff. This can be achieved through promoting safe and healthy eating habits, education improving in the field of food systems and technologies, and facilitating access to information for consumers and producers.

The numerous resources in snail production have largely remained untapped in developing countries despite the increasing awareness of the many benefits and potentials embedded therein. This study was done to analyze the economics of snail production and to estimate its contribution to the food security of farming households in Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire that was administered to the snail farmers. Based on the discovery of this work, the result shows that 39.2 % of the sampled farmers were within the active age bracket (41–50 years). 92.5 % of the farmers were males indicating men were actively involved. The majority of the farmers were literate with (83.3 %) having tertiary education. The mean farming experience was about 7 years with most of the farmers (47.5 %) having experience of 5–8 years. Most (86.7 %) of the respondents were married. The majority (40 %) engage in farming as an occupation primarily. The result showed that the returns to snail production were high (net profit ₦317.88/0.75 USD per jumbo-size snail). Every naira investment generated about ₦1.96/0.0046 USD. This demonstrated a high economic return of the snail farming business for boosting the revenue of the farming household. It was revealed that the cost of breeding stock, stocking density, and labour cost had a significant effect on revenue generated from snail production. Snail production was also not seen to have a significant contribution to the food security of farming households in the study area. The result further showed that the major constraints faced by snail farmers in the study area include lack of financial capacity for business expansion, unavailability of collaterals for loan acquisition to aid farm activities, and lack of inadequate extension visits among others. Hence, the study emphasizes the need for the government to invest heavily in snail production and encourage people to venture into snail farming business.

Abstract Background In Uganda, agriculture is the main pathway for dietary intake among the households. Karamoja sub-region, located in Northeastern part of Uganda is the most food insecure in the country. Although agriculture contributes greatly to Uganda’s food systems, there is inadequate evidence for household energy and nutrient intake from agricultural production in the sub-region. Karamoja sub-region is typical because crop production has increasingly become part of the agricultural system in a largely semi-arid environment, predominantly occupied in pastoralism. Therefore, a cross-sectional study of 520 participants investigated the contribution of household’s own agricultural production to dietary intake, seeking to answer whether or not own agricultural production translates into adequate energy and nutrient intake. Results Own food production did not meet energy and nutrient requirements, contributed disproportionately among the districts to household cumulated annual RDAs. This was reflected in the higher proportion of households in Moroto not attaining the cumulative annual RDA (energy: 100.0; protein 100.0; iron 86.5; and zinc 100.0%) than in Abim (energy: 81.6; protein 53.3; iron 23.7; and zinc 59.9%). Overall in Karamoja sub-region, the total energy and nutrients required by the household and supplied from their agricultural production were 15,589.7 ± 10,230.6 and 4226.0 ± 3980.1 kcal/day for energy, 317.6 ± 202.6 and 154.4 ± 153.7 g/day for proteins, 49.5 ± 30.8 and 50.2 ± 47.6 mg/day for iron, and 52.7 ± 32.6 and 25.4 ± 24.5 mg/day for zinc. Inter-household distribution of the absolute difference between energy and selected nutrients required by the household and that derived from own agricultural production showed deficits in household energy and nutrients needs. Further, polygamy, subsistence farming by spouse, lack of formal education by spouse positively predicted energy and nutrient supplied from own agricultural produce while lack of formal education negatively predicted energy nutrients supplied from agricultural produce. Increase in household size increased energy and nutrient required from agricultural production. Conclusion Own agricultural production contributes limitedly to household energy and nutrient needs in the sub-region. There are great variations in the households’ capacity to derive energy and nutrients from own agricultural produce in Karamoja sub-region. Polygamy, subsistence farming, education and household size predicted energy and nutrients required from and supplied by agricultural production.

This study examined the effect of increased childcare demands during the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal work and household food security in South Africa. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted with 1890 mothers using the National Income Dynamics Study – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) Wave 2. About seven out of ten mothers did not work (74.8%), and one-third (29%) had increased childcare demands, limiting their work opportunities. About half of the households experienced food insecurity (44%). Unemployed mothers who reported that childcare affected their ability to work had increased odds of food insecurity (OR = 2.20, p = 0.000). Household food insecurity was significantly related to maternal age, province and childcare effect on employment. This study established that mothers whose work was affected by increased childcare demands had higher levels of food insecurity. Therefore, we recommend implementing food security and gender equality interventions that promote change in childcare cultural norms.

Abstract Background While it has identified that linking smallholders in the agri-food value chain remains to be a promising strategy to get out of the poverty trap in many developing countries, less is known about the food security implications of smallholders’ participation in the fruits value chain. This paper examines the effects of apple and mango smallholder farmers’ participation along the value chain, focusing on their household food security in north-western Ethiopia. Methods Primary data for the study were obtained from a random sample of 384 households, 211 of which are fruit value chain participants, and the remainder are non-participants. The study used the propensity score matching (PSM) method to establish a causal relationship between the participation of the fruit value chain and changes in household food security. Results and conclusions Results indicate that participation in the apple and mango value chain has a robust and positive effect on the food security of smallholders as measured by household food consumption in kilocalorie. The unconfoundedness and overlapping assumptions were fulfilled by applying the nearest neighbor and kernel-based matching algorithms. The study confirms that the more apple and mango farmers join the value chain, the higher their household food intake becomes. Support for fruit farmers is, therefore, a promising policy approach that can help improve household food security in rural Ethiopia.

Abstract Background Empowering women, land tilting to enhance the security of Land Tenure and Property Rights (LTPRs) in agriculture vis-a-vis food and nutrition security are crucial in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. The main goal of this paper is to examine the crucial roles of women’s empowerment and LTPRs as they affect household food security among smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Methodology Cross-sectional data were obtained from 1152 maize and rice farmers, selected by multistage random sampling across 192 communities, 16 States and the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The data were collected on households’ socio-economics, food security situations, empowerment and LTPRs on parcels cultivated during the 2016/17 farming season by interviewing the adult members of the farmers’ households. HFS was assessed using the United States Department of Agriculture’ HFS Survey Module and Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines for measuring Household Dietary Diversity Score. LTPRs were measured in terms of tenure type and title registration to farmlands. HFS modelling was within the framework of Poisson, Instrumental Variable Poisson (IVP) and Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression methods, with endogeneity concerns and choice of specification addressed within Hausman specification tests. Results The results of the study show that households that have a share of farmland on purchase and also participate in off-farm activities are likely to be certainly food-secure in all regards. Crop diversity, households that cultivate maize only, the share of farmland on purchase and access to extension contact significantly reduce the severity of food insecurity while an increase in farm size increases the severity of food insecurity. Similarly, IV Poisson and ZIP Count results show that increase in the farm size results in the severity of food insecurity. The evidence with respect to women’s empowerment reveals that gender parity and female achievement in group membership, income control, as well as workload; reduce the extent of food insecurity among the farming households in Nigeria. We, however, discover that the female achievement in the productive decision and credit increases the severity of food insecurity among the smallholder farmers. The analyses also reveal that education of the household head, female achievement in the asset; group membership and workload are the major factors that positively influenced household dietary diversity. Conclusion The study suggests the adoption of climate-smart practices to overcome the issue of marginal farmlands, promotion of crop and livelihood diversification among the smallholder farmers, effective extension services delivery, and improving women’s access to productive resources to enhance household food security status in Nigeria.

This study aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on household food security and the nutritional status of the children and identify the risk factors associated with it. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 220 households having at least one under 5 children of Narayanganj district in Bangladesh. Household food insecurity, coping strategies and nutritional status of children were the main outcome variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the significant determinants. A total of 93.2 % of households were food insecure, with 32.3% experiencing mild, 18.6% facing moderate, and 42.3% undergoing severe food insecurity. Forty seven percent households used high coping strategies and 93.2% of households consumed less expensive/preferable food as the common coping technique. Logistic regression analysis showed the variables significantly associated with moderate to severe food insecurity were low household income before COVID-19 (AOR = 46.07, CI: 13.68–155.10), more reduction of family income (AOR = 32.47, 95% CI: 9.29–113.41), maternal occupation as housewife (AOR = 7.73, CI: 2.59–23.07), losses of job (AOR = 4.28, CI: 1.31–13.98) and higher family members (AOR = 3.39, CI: 1.07–10.71). The prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting in children under 5 years of age were 29.0%, 23.4% and 15.6%, respectively. Significantly the independent predictors of stunting were maternal occupation, education, age, household head occupation, child age, and the coping strategy score. Household dietary diversity score was an important independent predictor of underweight and wasting. In conclusion, social safety net initiatives for vulnerable households along with maternal education and employment should be strengthened to reduce hunger and malnutrition.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on various economic sectors, one of which is the agricultural sector. This important role of the agricultural sector often ignores the socio-economic conditions of the farmer's household. This research aims to analyze the degree of food security of farmer households during of the Covid-19 pandemic. The method used is the descriptive quantitative method using income and expenditure variables of farmers' households in the last month. The results showed that calculation of the structure of the household income of farmers is dominated by the structure of income from farming by 82.63 %, while the rest comes from non-farming by 17.37 %. Then for the expenditure structure of farmer households, non-food expenditures are greater than food expenditures, which is 59 % compared to food expenditures of 41 %. This gives an understanding that farmers' income is quite high and tends to spend their income to meet needs outside of food (non-food). By using indicators of food security, namely the level of food subsistence and the share of food expenditure, then farmer households in Kebasen District, Banyumas Regency are classified as high or food Unresistant during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This dataset presents data collected from the households’ survey in Northern Nigeria to examine land tenure and property rights among smallholder rice farmers and the influence it has on household food security. Data collection was by personal interviews of adult members of the farmers’ households, focusing on the households’ socio-economics, United States Department of Agriculture’- 18 Household Food Security questions for households with children, land titling status and land tenure type on farmland cultivated during the 2016/17 farming season. The data were collected from 475 rice farmers selected by multistage sampling across 84 rice-growing communities, seven States and the three geopolitical zones in northern Nigeria. Household food security was assessed within the framework of the United States Department of Agriculture’ HFS Survey Module. Land Tenure and Property Rights (LTPRs) assessment was in terms of the type (source) and registration of titles to farmlands. The hypothesis that guided the cross-sectional survey conducted to generate these data is that insecure land tenure and property rights are important drivers of food insecurity.

Abstract Background Malnutrition with its constituents of protein energy malnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies continues to be a major health burden in low and middle-income countries. To end all forms of malnutrition, we need to address poverty, which is associated with the insecure supply of food and diversified nutrition. The objective of this study was to determine the level of dietary diversity and household food security among urban school-age children in Merawi town, Ethiopia. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Merawi town among 422 households having school age children from April 1 to June 15, 2018. The association between dietary diversity and determinants was assessed using binary logistic regression analysis. Socio-demographic, maternal and child related variables; food security and diversity determinants were studied. Results The overall level of good dietary diversity was 91.7%, i.e.; 8.3% had a low, 59.1% had a good, 32.6% had better dietary diversity, respectively. Most households (95.2%) were secured with food access. The factors associated with good dietary diversity were the age of the child [AOR = 0.31 (0.14, 0.70)], and access to information [AOR = 3.18 (1.07,9.47)]. Conclusion The prevalence of good dietary diversity was relatively high. Among different socio-cultural and economic factors studied, age of the child and access to information were the factors associated with dietary diversity. Increasing maternal and child awareness towards good dietary diversity practices through the mass media (radio and Television) and working with mothers with early school-age children to improve dietary diversity are recommended.

This study aims to look at the lives of farmers from a survival strategy perspective. An ethnographic approach is used with participant observation and interviews. The results of the study show that despite changes due to modernization of agriculture, local traditions and knowledge are still carried out. There are at least two strategies that are carried out in overcoming food security in their households, namely the short-term strategy, done by “ngurup cimplung”, taking plants around that can be used for daily needs. Whereas the long-term strategy is done by carrying out various rituals, namely “gethekan”, “Ujungan Ritual”, as well as istisqa prayers, all of which are to wish the Divine pleasure to keep nature-friendly with them. The strategy of performing this ritual also has a large function in food security both at the community and household level and even at the individual level. Each special event usually serves local food. For them, the efforts made are as an exchange effort, as “ngurup cimplung” is an economic exchange effort. Performing rituals by presenting a variety of foods are believed to get an equivalent fortune even more abundant than that given. Although rice is a staple food in every activity, the people of Gumelem, Banjarnegara can still use it wisely as a food security effort. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat kehidupan petani dari perspektif survival strategy. Pendekatan etnografi digunakan dengan teknik observasi partisipan dan wawancara. Hasil studi menunjukkan meskipun terjadi perubahan akibat modernisasi pertanian, tetapi tradisi dan pengetahuan lokal tetap dilakukan. Ada dua strategi yang dilakukan petani yaitu strategi jangka pendek yaitu dengan “ngurup cimplung”, mengambil tanaman di sekitar yang bisa dimanfaatkan untuk kebutuhan sehari-hari. Sedangkan strategi jangka panjang dilakukan dengan melakukan berbagai ritual, yaitu “gethekan”, ritual adat ujungan, maupun sholat istisqa yang kesemuanya adalah mengaharap ridha Ilahi agar alam tetap bersahabat dengan mereka. Dengan melakukan ritual ini juga memiliki fungsi besar dalam ketahanan pangan baik di level komunitas maupun rumah tangga bahkan individu. Setiap kegiatan khusus biasanya menyuguhkan pangan lokal. Bagi mereka, upaya yang dilakukan adalah sebagai upaya pertukaran, sebagaimana “ngurup cimplung” merupakan upaya pertukaran ekonomi. Sedangkan melakukan ritual dengan menyuguhkan berbagai makanan dipercaya akan mendapatkan rejeki yang setara bahkan lebih berlimpah dari yang diberikan. Meskipun beras menjadi makanan pokok di setiap aktivitas, tetapi masyarakat Gumelem, Banjarnegara tetap bisa menggunakan dengan bijak sebagai upaya ketahanan pangan.

There are growing campaigns to promote land titling to secure Land Tenure and Property Rights (LTPRs) in African agriculture. Theoretically, deed registration should reduce land disputes, facilitate land use as collateral for loans, and stimulate investment in land improvement for increased productivity, income and food security. Empirical evidence in these regards, however, remains anecdotal, and sometimes conflicting. This paper reports a study that examined LTPRs' among smallholder rice farmers in Northern Nigeria and the influence on household food security (HFS). It used cross-section data obtained from 549 rice farmers, selected by multistage sampling across 84 rice-growing communities, seven (7) States and the three (3) geopolitical zones in northern Nigeria. Data collection was by personal interviews of adult members of the farmers' households, focusing on the households' socio-economics, livelihoods, and LTPRs on farmland cultivated during the 2016/17 farming season. HFS was assessed within the framework of the United States Department of Agriculture’ HFS Survey Module. LTPRs assessment was in terms of the type (source) and registration of titles to farmlands. HFS modelling was within the framework of Poisson, Instrumental Variable Poisson (IVP) and Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression methods, with endogeneity concerns and choice of specification addressed within Hausman specification tests. The results show that land titling is not endogenous in the estimated models; and that HFS is significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced with an increase in shares of freehold and leasehold in the households’ farmlands, as against reliance on communal holdings. Holding de jure secure title to farmlands, however, had no significant influence on HFS. The evidence supports the need to develop land markets to enhance the ease of land transfer, as part of measures to enhance HFS in northern Nigeria.

Food insecurity continues to affect a significant number of U.S. households, even during periods of economic growth and prosperity. Household food insecurity in the U.S. is measured with the Food Security Core Survey Module, which reflects the importance of household financial resource con­straint as the ultimate cause of food insecurity. While the module recognizes some of the strategies households employ to cope with food hardships, it hardly encompasses the salient strategies common­ly used by low-income families. The purpose of this study is to identify the major strategies low-income households employ to cope with their food insecurity, and to gain insight into the process they go through toward making ends meet and into how the process may affect their sense of overall happiness. To this end, a survey instrument[1] was developed and administered to low-income house­holds in two public housing communities in Atlanta, Georgia. The results indicated that the majority of the sampled households, even those classified as food secure, report insufficiency of income to cover their monthly expenses. As a consequence, they employed a number of coping strategies to make ends meet. These included forgoing or delaying purchases of non-food items and borrowing or seeking help from friends and relatives. The study also found a mismatch between household self-assessment of their food conditions and food-security level classification. Despite the severity of coping strategies used, some households reported overall happiness with their lives, although, for the majority, the results suggested a positive association between percep­tions of food sufficiency and a sense of overall happiness. [1] The survey instrument it is available from the corresponding author upon request.

Background: Research on different measures of food security and their interrelation in order to identify vulnerable households are scarce in India. Objectives: The objective was to assess household food security (HHFS), nutrient adequacy, dietary diversity, and nutritional status of under-five children along with their interrelation in the slums of Bankura Municipality, West Bengal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2016–2017 among 240 households using two-stage 30-cluster random sampling. Information regarding socioeconomic characteristics, availability, and utilization of different poverty alleviation schemes was collected. HHFS was assessed by a validated HHFS scale-short form in Bengali and nutrient adequacy with 24-h recall method. The eldest under-five child in the family was measured for anthropometry using standard procedure and for dietary diversity with the Individual Dietary Diversity Score. Results: Overall, 74 (29.1%) households had “food security,” whereas 102 (44.3%) and 64 (26.6%) had, respectively, low and very low food security. Among 190 under-five children, 63 (35.3%) had single and 50 (25.5%) had multiple anthropometric failures. Overall, 89 (36.1%) households were deficient for both energy and protein and 111 (47.6%) had deficiency of either of these two. Indicators on the utilization of different poverty alleviation schemes were associated with low/very low food security. A “Composite Index of Food Scarcity” comprising of HHFS, nutrient adequacy, and dietary diversity was proposed which was found to have dose–response relationship with grades of anthropometric failure of under-five children. Conclusions: An index comprising of three indicators might help identify the vulnerable households in relation to food security more effectively than a single indicator.

There are no formal female food production organizations in the municipalities of Sibate, Sopo or Sumapaz (Bogotá rural area). Additionally, in the organizations in which women participate, they usually do not hold a decision-making position, which inhibits economic and social development despite the fact that women play an important role in the entire food system (production, preparation, consumption and food utilization). The aim of this research was to characterize the empowerment of rural women as a consequence of associative processes that contribute to food and nutrition security using the "descriptive case" qualitative research methodology. The main results indicated that, even though the participation of women in associative processes promotes decision-making, access to agricultural inputs, technical assistance and economic autonomy, there are still inequalities and inequities between men and women. For these reasons, it is necessary to strengthen associative processes with a cross-cutting gender approach and provide space for participation where both women and men analyze and question traditional roles in the household in order to transform inequity gaps and, therefore, contribute to food and nutrition security.

Abstract Background This paper concerns the role of crop diversification in improving household food security in central Malawi. In this country, the agricultural sector is dominated by smallholder farming and rain-fed food production systems that are facing increasing challenges from land degradation and declining soil fertility. Maize is the staple food crop, and as such, the majority of farmers grow it regardless of land suitability. This has led to what scientists have labeled as “maize poverty trap.” In the event of prolonged drought, maize fails thus leaving farmers food insecure. However, research in Sub-Saharan Africa has shown that crop diversification provides smallholder farmers with a diversity of diet, improves their income, and nutrition security. Due to increased cases of malnutrition and food insecurity, in the wake of climate change, government of Malawi has in the past few years intensified extension efforts for crop diversification. Methods The study is based on a sample of 271 randomly selected smallholder farming households from central Malawi. It investigates the influence of crop diversification and other household socioeconomic characteristics on the household Food Consumption Score and Household Food Insecurity Access Score. In our analysis, we rely heavily on a combination of ordinary least squares techniques and some descriptive statistics. Results Our results show that crop diversification, cattle ownership, access to credit and attaining of education have a positive and significant effect on the household Food Consumption Score. Precisely, crop diversification, cattle ownership and access to credit are all significant at 5% level, while education is significant at 10%. In addition, crop diversification and attaining of formal education by household head were found to have a negative and significant effect on Household Food Insecurity Access Score and were all significant at 1% level. Conclusion and policy recommendation Based on our study findings, we conclude that crop diversification is one viable option in smallholder farming that can ensure establishment of resilient agricultural systems that can contribute significantly to household food security. In terms of policy, the results imply that the current efforts by government of Malawi to intensify promotion of crop diversification should remain a priority policy direction due to the continued malnutrition and food insecurity threat. This is particularly so in this era of climate variability that poses an extra burden to farmers.

For women parenting on low incomes, there is a significant disparity between household foodwork standards and the resources with which to meet them. This study centres on the everyday foodwork experiences of low-income mothers and their engagement with community supports such as community food initiatives (CFIs). It helps address a research gap concerning the relationship between CFI participation and maternal household foodwork. The study employs multiple methods including semi-structured interviews, graphic elicitation and tours of local community food programs. By identifying a range of factors, strategies, and challenges in mothers’ foodwork, the study elucidates some of the contradictory pressures that low-income mothers experience around foodwork. Some of these pressures are associated with meeting individualizing standards around being "good" mothers, "good" consumers and "good" food program participants. Efforts to meet these standards were seen through mothers’ attempts to feed their children healthy and preferred food, exercise agency through market choices, and moderate their demands of community food programs. While more research is required regarding both mothers’ actual participation in CFIs and CFI strategies to support them, the findings suggest that CFIs should incorporate low-income mothers’ subjectivities into food programming.

The current review focuses on characterization and conservation efforts vital for the development of breeding programmes for indigenous beef cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa. Indigenous African cattle breeds were identified and characterized using information from refereed journals, conference papers and research reports. Results of this current review reviewed that smallholder beef cattle production in Southern Africa is extensive and dominated by indigenous beef cattle strains adaptable to the local environment. The breeds include Nguni, Mashona, Tuli, Malawi Zebu, Bovino de Tete, Angoni, Landim, Barotse, Twsana and Ankole. These breeds have important functions ranging from provision of food and income to socio-economic, cultural and ecological roles. They also have adaptive traits ranging from drought tolerant, resistance to ticks and tick borne diseases, heat tolerance and resistance to trypanosomosis. Stakeholders in the conservation of beef cattle were also identified and they included farmers, national government, research institutes and universities as well as breeding companies and societies in Southern Africa. Research efforts made to evaluate threats and opportunities of indigenous beef cattle production systems, assess the contribution of indigenous cattle to household food security and income, genetically and phenotypically characterize and conserve indigenous breeds, and develop breeding programs for smallholder beef production are highlighted. Although smallholder beef cattle production in the smallholder farming systems contributes substantially to household food security and income, their productivity is hindered by several constraints that include high prevalence of diseases and parasites, limited feed availability and poor marketing. The majority of the African cattle populations remain largely uncharacterized although most of the indigenous cattle breeds have been identified.

This study concerns the potential impact of the adoption of soil and water conservation technologies on household food security. Our analysis is based on a sample of 312 households in the Chinyanja Triangle using questionnaires. We use Propensity Score Matching to estimate treatment effects of adoption. Results show that the adoption of conservation technologies has significant impact on cereal consumption. The Average Treatment effect on the Treated, based on three matching algorithms, ranges from 222.18 to 320.95 kg of cereal consumed per year. The results imply that efforts to improve the adoption of these technologies could contribute to food security.

A greater diversity of crops grown in homegardens in Sri Lanka is thought to be positively associated with increased nutritional diversity of the diet of members of households and their improved nutritional status and health. However, no studies have been made to evaluate the quantitative contribution of homegardens to people's food and nutrient intake and security. Here we report three studies to test an improved homegarden production system, with agricultural and extension interventions, designed for the mid-country wet zone in Sri Lanka. The study assessed the impact of the improved system on crop type diversity, on dietary intake and diversity and food and nutritional security of the households. In Study 1, 100 households with homegardens were evaluated for their household characteristics and homegarden practices. Study 2 was on a sub sample of 20 households each with organized homegardens (OHG); households were provided with planting material, agricultural inputs and advice, and were regularly monitored by a field officer for methodical farming. These improved home gardens were contrasted with non-organized homegardens (NOHG; without intervention) to measure crop diversity through a simple species count. Study 3 assessed 25 sample households with OHG and 20 households with NOHG: dietary nutrient intake and diversity and household food security were quantified. Family food consumption was assessed using a 5-day diet diary. Perceived household food security status was determined using United States Department of Agriculture Food Security Module. Nutrient intakes, dietary adequacy, and contribution to dietary diversity from produce derived from homegarden were calculated. A total of 149 crop species were recorded in the homegardens with a 14% greater diversity in OHG than NOHG. Household food security was not significantly associated with organized or non-organized homegardens. The improved, organized home gardens provided diets with a greater contribution of energy, carbohydrates, fat, calcium, iron, zinc, folate, thiamin, niacin, vitamin C, and vitamin A compared with NOHG. The study demonstrates that households with OHG had greater dietary diversity from homegarden produce compared with that of households with NOHG leading to better food and micronutrient intake and nutritional security.

In Mali, small ruminants are a necessary part of mixed crop and livestock systems, and they fulfill various roles in the food security of households as sources of meat and milk, and means of additional income to meet food and cash needs. However, small ruminant production is challenged by the poor performance of animals, which is mainly caused by inadequate nutrition and diseases. A pilot study that combined feed and health interventions was conducted in two villages, Sirakele and Zanzoni in Koutiala District in the south of the country. The objective was to assess the effects of the combined interventions on small ruminant production in mixed crop-livestock systems. Zanzoni served as control, and Sirakele received both feed and health interventions. Twenty households were randomly selected in each village and the study lasted one year, from August 2016 to August 2017. Results showed that within a year the average goat and sheep flock size in the feed and health intervention group doubled, whereas it mostly remained the same in the control group. The mortality rate was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control one. In addition, the goats and sheep gained 42.98 ± 3.28 and 47.12 ± 2.73 g/day in the treatment group, whereas they only gained 22.59 ± 2.29 and 16.58 ± 2.74 g/day in the control group, respectively. The results confirmed that feed and health interventions significantly improved small ruminant production.

Cash transfer (CTs) is an increasingly popular social protection mechanism used by many developing countries to improve the food security and nutritional status of lower socio-economic groups. This paper is a review of the literature regarding the impact of CT programs on the food security of recipient households in the developing countries, including Iran. We looked for all original studies, performed in the developing countries and published in any language, containing at least one outcome related to food and nutritional security of the beneficiary population using Pub Med, Iran Medex, SID (Scientific Information Database), ISI (Information Sciences Institute) database, INP (Iran’s Nutrition Publication) Abstracts, IRANDOC and Magiran. Searches used the following terms or keywords: “household food security”, “household food insecurity” and “cash transfer” on any publication published within 1990-2015. A total of 12 studies evaluating the influence of CT programs on the recipients’ food and nutrition security were identified. CT programs have the potential to deliver a range of benefits not only through reducing extreme poverty but also by providing effective support for broader human development objectives, including better nutrition, as well as health and education outputs and outcomes. The extent to which programs can have these different impacts will depend critically on the availability of complementary services, the local context, and the specifics of program design, including the transfer value. However, findings in Iran suggest that the replacement of staple food subsidies by CT has led to a significant increase in household food insecurity (especially marginal or mild food insecurity). Keywords: Household food security, Cash transfer, Developing countries

Zimbabwe has recently experienced a considerable shift towards the production of more cash crops, such as tobacco, at the expense of food crops. Although cash cropping has been associated with increased income, the question is whether the income gained from cash crops would be enough to provide the food needs of farming households. This research was conducted to analyse the impact of cash crops on household food security. A cross-sectional survey consisting of 281 randomly selected smallholder farmers in Shamva District was used for primary data collection. Data were analysed using the Tobit regression model and Propensity score matching (PSM). The household dietary diversity score (HDDS) was used to measure food security. The PSM results showed a positive impact of cash crop production on the HDDS. This could be attributed to the income effect of cash cropping. Furthermore, Tobit regression results showed that cash crop production (p < 0.1), non-farm income (p < 0.01), total arable land (p < 0.05) and access to draft power (p < 0.05) positively influenced household food security. Household size negatively impacted food security (p < 0.05). While the results from this study suggest the need to promote cash crop production, it should not be regarded as the panacea for addressing food insecurity. There is a need for further research to derive optimum combinations of cash and food crops in the crop mixture for smallholder farmers to achieve food security. Furthermore, opportunities for off-farm livelihood options should be developed, since non-farm income had a positive effect on food security.

Food insecurity, not having consistent access to adequate food for active, healthy lives for all household members is most common among low income households. However, income alone is not sufficient to explain who experiences food insecurity. This study investigates the relationship between financial literacy and food security. We find that low income households who exhibit financial literacy are less likely to experience food insecurity.

South Africa is one of the African countries that are sustaining the capacity to meet national food requirements; however, large-scale inequality and poverty mean that the majority of its people do not enjoy food security or adequate access to food. Promotion of rural development may be achieved by investing in public funding. The business of governmental institutions is to serve and address the needs of people by formulating and implementing policies that will enhance food security. Due to lack in lobbying power; many people are still food insecure because of inadequate access to food, irrespective of food availability. Agriculture is more prevalent in rural areas as the strategy to eradicate food insecurity and particularly crop farming. Land and access and ownership is a continuing challenge which also has a negative impact on rural production. Rural local municipalities mostly depend on governmental funding, which is limited due to poor service delivery and massive backlogs. While South Africa as a nation is food secure, rural households are not yet free from being food insecure. Food insecurity is a multi-sectoral issue that needs to be tackled by all institutions and sectors and should not only be aligned with the agricultural sector.

Background and Objectives: Food insecurity may be associated with poor nutrition, which in turn can increase the risk of adverse nutrition and health outcomes among infants and toddlers. This study was undertaken in 2008 to gain an insight of mothers' views on complementary feeding practices and food security. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, data were collected through 10 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with groups of mothers who had under two-year-old children in the urban areas of Damavand (7 FGDs; n=51) and Varamin (3 FGDs; n=29). Each FGD was held in the presence of a moderator, two note takers, and an observer. All notes were collected, and the emerging themes were reported. Results: In the study, nine general themes were identified: 1) The mothers viewed adequate food as a food, which is useful for health in both quality and quantity; 2) Households have limited access to adequate food because they cannot afford it; 3) In hard situations, household’s strategies are: changing the type and amount of food, and buying cheaper foods; 4) In case of poverty, mothers abstain from eating to save food for their children; 5) The mothers viewed complementary feeding as soft, simple and light foods, which are especially made for children; 6) The best time for introducing complementary feeding was 6 months of age; 7) There were no complementary local foods in the region; 8) For under one-year-old children, a different type of food was separately prepared; 9) Home-made complementary food was preferred over the readymade type. Conclusions: Despite mothers' sufficient knowledge about the advantages of complementary feeding, the majority of them had not good performance. This qualitative study provides a foundation and valuable information for future studies on the nutritional health of children in food insecure households. Keywords: Household food security, Belief, Infant feeding, Mothers, Infants, Qualitative research, Iran

Water pricing and recuperation of the costs of irrigation investment have been litigious issues for many decades in the dry area of Nyanyadzi because the community view irrigation as a development expenditure, financed by donors and the government for backward areas through lowering of food prices and reduction of tariffs. The soaring charges for irrigation water are questioned, as well as, the diminutive percentage of farmers who fundamentally recompense the charges. The failure to institute clear cost recuperation and water pricing methods has threatened the viability and sustainability of irrigation projects in the study area. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The study revealed that where the economy is usually subsidized, convalesce the cost of water delivery is much more complicated and difficult. In the case of establishing user fees, these should be estimated as a percentage of the "traditional user's capability for payment" derived from irrigation benefits (the net increase in farmers' income as a result of irrigation). Nyanyadzi has an opportunity in irrigation led development, if stakeholders address critical challenges in the planning, design, water delivery and maintenance of its irrigation systems. Since Nyanyadzi faces severe budgetary difficulties in financing irrigation projects, it is obligatory to consider the foundation on which irrigation projects operate and impose the principle of self sustaining. Sustainable methods of irrigation evaluation and collection of fees must be considered in light of Nyanyadzi's economic and technical environment. The research noted that water use efficiency is required in order to maximize the benefits farmers derive from the irrigation projects and extraordinarily high user fees should be avoided in the project development stages, where the payment capability is much less at the beginning than at the maturity stages of irrigation projects.

In many parts of the world, the food security of households and the nutrition security of individual household members, in particular that of children, are still at risk, in spite of the progress made in combatting hunger at the global level. The prevailing opinion among scientists and development practioners alike is that women’s empowerment is the key to household food security and good nutrition of children. Similarly, it is thought that gender inequalities manifest themselves in dietary discrimination of women resulting in their lesser access to sufficient and nutritious food. To investigate the credibility of these ‘common truths’, empirical evidence on women’s roles in the social practices that aim at realizing household food security and good family nutrition was reviewed. It can be concluded that women definitely yield and wield power through their involvement in and responsibility for these practices, but that – at the same time – enhancing women’s capabilities by improved access to critical resources would benefit their household’s food security and their children’s nutrition. Furthermore, except for the region of South Asia, gender inequalities do not visibly result in a gender gap in nutrition, although women’s specific dietary needs in relation to pregnancy and motherhood are not always recognized.

Objetivo: Evaluar el estado nutricional y el nivel de Seguridad Alimentaria en el Hogar de una muestra de embarazadas aparentemente sanas en la Maternidad Concepción Palacios de Caracas, Venezuela e identificar las variables que pudieran predecir el edo. Nutricional del grupo de embarazadas evaluadas. Métodos: La investigación fue transversal, descriptiva y comparativa. Se seleccionó 89 embarazadas entre los 14 y 44 años de edad de la consulta externa prenatal. Se midieron variables económicas, sociales, demográficas y alimentario-nutricionales, entre las que destacan el nivel de Seguridad Alimentaria en el Hogar y variables antropométricas como peso, talla y circunferencia media de brazo que permitieron construir indicadores para evaluarel estado nutricional materno. Se realizó análisis estadístico descriptivo, bivariado y de regresión múltiple, con el programa SPSS, versión 12. Resultados: Las variables que predicen el estado nutricional actual de la muestra de embarazadas fueron circunferencia media de brazo derecho, nivel de seguridad alimentaría en el hogar y suplementación con vitaminas y/o minerales. Estas variables predicen el 78,2% de la variación del estado nutricional actual en esta muestra. Este estudio permitio reconocer la importancia del uso de variables sencillas, para ser utilizadas por personal levemente capacitado y predecir el estado nutricionalde las embarazadas, lo que contribuye a conocer riesgos alimentario-nutricionales. Conclusiones: Se recomienda profundizar en el estudio de métodos que evalúen la alimentación y nutrición de manera práctica y fácil, aplicables por personal no técnico, además de continuar el proceso de validación de la combinación de las variables determinadas como predictores del estado nutricional materno.Objective: The objective of this research is to analyze the nutritional status and household food security of asample of healthy pregnant women who attend to external medicine service at Concepcion Palacios Maternity located in Caracas, Venezuela, and identify variables, which could predict the nutritional status of the evaluated group. Method: This cross sectional, descriptive, comparative study evaluates a sample of 89 pregnant women, between 14 and 44 years of age. Economical, social, demographic and alimentary consumption variables and nutritional conditions were studied. On the way, anthropometrics likeweight, height, and middle-arm circumference and Household food security scale were obtained. In order to perform the descriptive statistic, bivariate, and multiple linear regression analysis required during the investigation, the software SPSS, version 12, was used. Results: The predictive variables considered for the evaluation of the actual nutritional status in pregnant women were: right middle-arm circumference, household food security level and the supplementation with vitamins and/or minerals. These variables explain 78,2% of the actual nutritional status variation in this sample. Therefore, this investigation highlights the importance of the research on simple variables, as a good prediction of the actual nutritional status in pregnant women, with acceptable precision values and without requiring hightrained personnel to perform it. Under these findings, is ery important the study of more predictive variables to evaluate the nutritional and alimentary conditions, with practical and easy mechanisms that can be applied by non-technical personnel. Conclusion: It is recommended to go deep into the study of methods, which evaluate the nutrition in an easy and practical way, applied by non-technical personnel, besides continuing the validation process of the variable combinations determined as predictive of the nutritional status.

Este trabajo describe el proceso de modificar y validar un índice de hambre desarrollado en los Estados Unidos por Wehler y colaboradores (1992). Forma parte de un trabajo de investigación cuyo objetivo principal es desarrollar y validar un método abreviado que estima dimensiones tanto cuantitativas (suficiencia alimentaria) como cualitativas (percepción de la mujer) de la seguridad alimentaria en el hogar. En un estudio piloto se modificó la escala original de 2 puntos 8 ítems a una escala de 4 puntos, 12 ítems. La confiabilidad medida por el coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach fue alto (0.871) sugiriendo consistencia en los ítems de la escala. El instrumento fue aplicado a una muestra de 238 hogares pobres y muy pobres de un barrio periurbano de Caracas. Para determinar la validez global del instrumento se analizó la relación entre posibles determinantes: económicos, sociales y de comportamiento y el nivel de seguridad alimentaria medido con la escala. Mediante análisis factorial se constata la validez conceptual del instrumento. Utilizando el método estadístico de regresión múltiple se presentan evidencias de la validez interna de la escala. Cuatro determinantes: puntaje de predictores de suficiencia energética, ingreso per cápita mensual, clase social y número de hijos en el hogar predicen en dirección esperada el nivel de seguridad alimentaria percibida por la mujer (R² = 0.343). Se concluye que este instrumento junto con otro para medir en forma breve la suficiencia alimentaria, basada en alimentos estratégicos, podría ser un método simple, válido y preciso para identificar y vigilar hogares que padecen algún grado de inseguridad alimentaria en zonas urbanas de bajos recursos del país.The process of adapting and validating a perceived household food security scale in a poor community. This paper describes the process of modifying and validating a hunger index developed in the United States by Wehler et al (1992). It is part of a research whose main objective is to develope and validate a simple method that measures both quantitative (food sufficiency) and qualitative (female self-perception) dimensions of household food insecurity. In a pilot study, the original instrument was modified from a 2 point 8 item to a 4 point 12 item scale.Precision measured with Alpha Chronbach's coeficient was high (0.871) suggesting consistency in the scale's items. The instrument was applied to a sample of 238 poor and very poor households in a peri-urban barrio of Caracas. To determine overall internal validity of the scale the relationship between possible economic, social and behavioral determinants and food security level measured with the scale, was analyzed. Construct validity of the scale was established with factor and principal components analysis. Finally, with multiple regression analysis evidence is presented for overall validity of the scale. Four determinants: predictors of food sufficency score, monthly income per capita, social class, and number of children in the household predict in the expected direction self-perceived food security level (R² = 0.343). Results suggest that this instrument, together with an abbreviated measure of food sufficiency, based on strategic foods may be a valid, precise, and simple method for identifying and monitoring households that suffer from some degree of food insecurity in poor urban communities.