scholarly journals Gender gap in the impact of social capital on household food security in Zimbabwe: does spatial proximity matter?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terrence Kairiza ◽  
George Kembo ◽  
Vengesai Magadzire ◽  
Lloyd Chigusiwa
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Spatial Proximity ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Bridging Social Capital ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Bonding And Bridging ◽  
Female Headed Households ◽  
The Impact

AbstractDespite the numerous strides that have been made towards ensuring food security since the launch of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the gap between the rich and poor across and within countries is still worryingly too large. Around 57.7% of the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) population is food insecure compared to 26.4% of the world population. It is therefore necessary to make concerted efforts to improve food security in Sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the developing world particularly among the poorest and most vulnerable groups. This paper employs propensity score matching analysis to explore gender heterogeneity in the impact of bonding and bridging social capital on household food security on the basis of a nationally representative sample of Zimbabwean households. It offers five major findings. First, female headed households are more likely to have bonding social capital than their male counterparts. Second, there are no gender differences in the household’s ability to possess bridging social capital. Third, household spatial proximity to households with social capital improves the probability of the household possessing social capital. Fourth, both bonding and bridging social capital improves household food security. Finally, female headed households are more able to increase food security than those headed by males when they have both bonding and bridging social capital. The study argues that coping strategies should target putting the family at the core of inclusive development agendas such as food and nutrition assistance programmes in order to maximise the likelihood of easing food insecurity within communities.

scholarly journals The Role of Social Capital in Rural Household Food Security: The Case Study of Dowa and Lilongwe Districts in Central Malawi

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Dzanja ◽  
Mike Christie ◽  
Ioan Fazey ◽  
Tony Hyde
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Rural Household ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Household Food ◽  
The Impact

<p>This paper explores the contribution of social capital on the rural household food security. Social capital is the ability of community actors to secure benefits by virtue of membership in social networks or other structures. In the past decade, consensus has emerged among scholars and practitioners of development that social capital can contribute significantly to the alleviation of poverty. Food insecurity is an indicator of poverty. This paper therefore takes this view by investigating the impact of social capital on the food security situation of rural people in developing countries, using the case study of Malawi in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using household survey data different social capital variables were incorporated into the household social welfare model, controlled by human capital, physical capital, household and geographical characteristics in order to test the linkage between social capital and rural household food security situation in the context of a developing country. Household food security status was improved by membership to farmers’ organizations, household network size and engagement in voluntary activities. When all social capital variables were incorporated into the model the explanatory power of the model improved by 20% on household food security.</p><p>We conclude that social capital has positive influence on household food security; however, the effects vary depending on the nature of social capital. The results indicate the significance of social networks in improving the socio-economic livelihoods of the people in rural areas in developing countries.</p>

scholarly journals High food insecurity in Latinx families and associated COVID-19 infection in the Greater Bay Area, California

BMC Nutrition ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milagro Escobar ◽  
Andrea DeCastro Mendez ◽  
Maria Romero Encinas ◽  
Sofia Villagomez ◽  
Janet M. Wojcicki
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
The United States ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Bay Area ◽  
Household Food ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Food insecurity impacts nearly one-in-four Latinx households in the United States and has been exacerbated by the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We examined the impact of COVID-19 on household and child food security in three preexisting, longitudinal, Latinx urban cohorts in the San Francisco Bay Area (N = 375 households, 1875 individuals). Households were initially recruited during pregnancy and postpartum at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) and UCSF Benioff prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this COVID-19 sub-study, participants responded to a 15-min telephonic interview. Participants answered 18 questions from the US Food Security Food Module (US HFSSM) and questions on types of food consumption, housing and employment status, and history of COVID-19 infection as per community or hospital-based testing. Food security and insecurity levels were compared with prior year metrics. Results We found low levels of household food security in Latinx families (by cohort: 29.2%; 34.2%; 60.0%) and child food security (56.9%, 54.1%, 78.0%) with differences between cohorts explained by self-reported levels of education and employment status. Food security levels were much lower than those reported previously in two cohorts where data had been recorded from prior years. Reported history of COVID-19 infection in households was 4.8% (95% Confidence Interval (CI); 1.5–14.3%); 7.2% (95%CI, 3.6–13.9%) and 3.5% (95%CI, 1.7–7.2%) by cohort and was associated with food insecurity in the two larger cohorts (p = 0.03; p = 0.01 respectively). Conclusions Latinx families in the Bay Area with children are experiencing a sharp rise in food insecurity levels during the COVID-19 epidemic. Food insecurity, similar to other indices of poverty, is associated with increased risk for COVID-19 infection. Comprehensive interventions are needed to address food insecurity in Latinx populations and further studies are needed to better assess independent associations between household food insecurity, poor nutritional health and risk of COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF LIVELIHOODS ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN PASTORAL AREAS OF NAROK COUNTY, KENYA

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 351-381
Author(s):  
Timothy Kileteny ◽  
Jacob. W. Wakhungu
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Economic Capital ◽  
Food Storage ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Utilisation

Food security and household livelihoods are tied together in an intricate relationship through the former’s dimensions (availability, accessibility, utilisation, stability) and the latter’s elements (Human, Social and Economic Capital). The problem identified by the study was a lack of information regarding the exact way in which the livelihoods of pastoralists in Narok County influence their food security. The study employed descriptive and correlation research designs. Data was primarily collected using questionnaires administered to a sample population of 385, FGD, observation and KII. The objectives established that household food accessibility was largely influenced by economic capital (or the lack thereof); there was a general lack of money to buy food and or produce own food, against a backdrop of, slow onset drought disaster(four year long drought periods in the last 20years) unfavorable livestock prices, and physical access in pastoralist undeveloped land was hampered by poor road communication links. The low education levels (63.8% were found to have never attained any formal education) implied limited economic opportunities for the household. Thirdly it was found that household food utilisation,(operationalised in the study as being access to potable water, latrine use uptake and household food storage practices) was influenced largely by social capital; based on the food module and other indicators of food utilisation as defined by the study, it was seen that the mean percentage status of food utilisation in Narok County stood at 49%.The study concluded that livelihoods have a strong influence on food security, primarily through the social capital (traditional practices, extended family networks and support from formal institutions). The study findings will help enhance policy implementation, in areas of vulnerability to food insecurity for pastoralist households.

scholarly journals Assessing the Potential Contribution of Pfumvudza Towards Climate Smart Agriculture in Zimbabwe: A Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Never Mujere
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Smart Agriculture ◽  
The Impact

Concerns of food and environmental security have increased enormously in recent years due to the vagaries of climate change and variability. Efforts to promote food security and environmental sustainability often reinforce each other and enable farmers to adapt to and mitigate the impact of climate change and other stresses. Some of these efforts are based on appropriate technologies and practices that restore natural ecosystems and improve the resilience of farming systems, thus enhancing food security. Climate smart agriculture (CSA) principles, for example, translate into a number of locally-devised and applied practices that work simultaneously through contextualised crop-soil-water-nutrient-pest-ecosystem management at a variety of scales. The purpose of this paper is to review concisely the current state-of-the-art literature and ascertain the potential of the Pfumvudza concept to enhance household food security, climate change mitigation and adaptation as it is promoted in Zimbabwe. The study relied heavily on data from print and electronic media. Datasets pertaining to carbon, nitrous oxide and methane storage in soils and crop yield under zero tillage and conventional tillage were compiled. Findings show that, compared to conventional farming, Pfumvudza has great potential to contribute towards household food security and reducing carbon emissions if implemented following the stipulated recommendations. These include among others, adequate land preparation and timely planting and acquiring inputs. However, nitrous oxide emissions tend to increase with reduced tillage and, the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides is environmentally unfriendly.

scholarly journals Farmer Reported Pest and Disease Impacts on Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops and Livelihoods in Rwanda and Burundi

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Okonya ◽  
Walter Ocimati ◽  
Anastase Nduwayezu ◽  
Déo Kantungeko ◽  
Nicolas Niko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cassava Mosaic Disease ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Crop Losses ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Root Tuber ◽  
The Impact

Biotic constraints cause major crop losses and, hence, food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study documented the popularity, production constraints, pests and diseases, farmers’ perceptions on the severity of biotic constraints and the impact of related crop losses on household food security for the key root, tuber and banana (RTB) crops (cassava, potato, sweetpotato and banana). Farmer interviews were conducted in 2014 covering 811 households in Rwanda and Burundi. Farmers were asked to list their RTB crop production constraints, name insect pests and diseases of RTB crops, estimate crop loss due to pests and diseases, and mention if their household experienced any form of food insecurity due to pests and diseases. Cutworms and late blight in potato, banana weevils and banana Xanthomonas wilt in banana, cassava whitefly and cassava mosaic disease in cassava, sweetpotato weevils, and sweetpotato virus disease in sweetpotato were the most predominant pests and diseases reported. Crop losses due to pests and diseases for sweetpotato, banana, potato and cassava were estimated at 26%, 29%, 33%, and 36%, respectively, in Rwanda and 37%, 48%, 38%, and 37% in Burundi. Pests and diseases reduce the profitability of RTB crops, threaten food security, and constitute a disincentive for investment. Sustainable and affordable integrated pest management packages need to be developed.

scholarly journals Food security situations among female headed households in Enugu East Senatorial Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 100-112
Author(s):  
Remigius. I. Ozioko ◽  
Blessing. C. Nwigwe ◽  
Anthonia. N. Asadu ◽  
Miracle. I. Nwafor ◽  
Onyinyechi. I. Nnadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Enugu State ◽  
Female Headed Households ◽  
Poor Nutrition

The study examined food security situation of female-headed households in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study identified livelihood activities of respondents, ascertained the food security situation, examined constraints to food security, and examined coping strategies of respondents. Multi-stage sampling procedure, snow ball and simple random techniques were used to select 72 female-headed households. Data were analyzed using mean score and factor analysis. Results showed that respondents livelihood activities included crop production (77.8%), processing and sale of palm produce (43.1%) and processing of farm produce (38.9%). Household food security situations included food secure to moderately food-insecure. Major constraints to food security of the respondents were poverty ( x̄ =2.52), lack of education and skill ( x̄ =2.50), poor rural infrastructure ( x̄ =2.50) and poor nutrition education ( x̄ =2.54). Coping strategies included restriction of food consumption of adults ( x̄ =2.21) reducing food consumption per day ( x̄ =2.00) and staying hungry ( x̄ =2.04). The study concludes that the households in the area were grossly food insecure as they spent more of their meager earning only on food. There was poor nutrition education and lack of productive skills. Poverty was found to be a major cause of food insecurity in the area as it robs people the option of fine choices. Hence, government and other development agencies should provide policies and efforts that assist Female headed households in capacity building like providing them with productive resources which will expand their scope of livelihood choices. Keywords: Food security, female headed household, food situation, poverty

scholarly journals Linking Household Food Security and Food Value Chains in North West Mt. Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 4999
Author(s):  
Veronica Mwangi ◽  
Samuel Owuor ◽  
Boniface Kiteme ◽  
Markus Giger ◽  
Johanna Jacobi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
North West ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Value

Smallholder farmers and pastoralists produce the largest proportion of food consumed in sub-Saharan Africa. However, they remain among the food insecure populations. This paper explores the food (in)security among smallholder farmers and pastoralists using a sample of 175 households in three agro-food value chains of wheat, dairy, and beef in the north-west Mt. Kenya region. The study seeks to answer if a farmer’s participation in a particular agro-food value chain determines his/her food security situation. We use the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and two Poisson regression models, parsimonious and full, to assess the household food security status and determinants of food security among the smallholder farmers and pastoralists. The results show that 61% of the households were either mildly, moderately, or severely food insecure. Households in the beef value chain experienced relatively higher incidences of food insecurity compared to households in the wheat and dairy value chains. The HFIAS scores revealed a wide gap between households with minimum and maximum score. Household size, income and income-related variables (ability to save and borrow to meet family needs), transport assets, membership in farmers’ associations, and household energy were significant in determining household food security, while access to credit and to extension services was not. Strategies that focus on boosting smallholder farmers’ incomes, building strong and resilient farmers associations to improve inclusive and equitable value chains have the potential to get smallholder farmers out of recurrent food insecurity.

scholarly journals Assessing the relevance of neighbourhood characteristics to the household food security of low-income Toronto families

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1139-1148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon I Kirkpatrick ◽  
Valerie Tarasuk
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Neighbourhood Social Capital ◽  
Neighbourhood Characteristics

AbstractObjectiveAlthough the sociodemographic characteristics of food-insecure households have been well documented, there has been little examination of neighbourhood characteristics in relation to this problem. In the present study we examined the association between household food security and neighbourhood features including geographic food access and perceived neighbourhood social capital.DesignCross-sectional survey and mapping of discount supermarkets and community food programmes.SettingTwelve high-poverty neighbourhoods in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.SubjectsRespondents from 484 low-income families who had children and who lived in rental accommodations.ResultsFood insecurity was pervasive, affecting two-thirds of families with about a quarter categorized as severely food insecure, indicative of food deprivation. Food insecurity was associated with household factors including income and income source. However, food security did not appear to be mitigated by proximity to food retail or community food programmes, and high rates of food insecurity were observed in neighbourhoods with good geographic food access. While low perceived neighbourhood social capital was associated with higher odds of food insecurity, this effect did not persist once we accounted for household sociodemographic factors.ConclusionsOur findings raise questions about the extent to which neighbourhood-level interventions to improve factors such as food access or social cohesion can mitigate problems of food insecurity that are rooted in resource constraints. In contrast, the results reinforce the importance of household-level characteristics and highlight the need for interventions to address the financial constraints that underlie problems of food insecurity.

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