scholarly journals Contribution of Women to Food Production in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Kapsabet Town, Kenya.

10.37512/1200 ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 144-154
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Food Production ◽  
National Level ◽  
Women Farmers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
On Farm

Women make a significant contribution to household food and nutrition security worldwide. They are reported to produce 60-80 % of food in developing countries and half of the food produced globally. They have also been reported to have a higher workload in ensuring food and nutrition security than men do in developing countries. In Kenya, women play a pivotal role in food production. This study aimed to explore their contribution to food production in an urban Kenyan metropolis, in a high potential agricultural area of Kenya’s Rift Valley Region. A cross-sectional descriptive study design using a quantitative method of data collection was used to collect data from 124 women (representing households) in Kapsabet town metropolis, through a questionnaire that was administered to the women in the 124 households and 14 key informants by way of one-on-one interviews. The households were selected randomly. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics to establish the nature and level of food production activities by the respondents including the level of economic empowerment. It was established that most of the farming population was aged 40-59 (54%), while those aged 20-39 made up 26% of respondents; farming in the metropolis is not therefore a major attraction for the youth (18-35 years of age). Women-farmers spent approximately 36 hours/week during the planting, weeding and harvest season on farm-related activities compared to 25 hours/week by males. Higher food production and food and nutrition security can be achieved if County and National-level Governments invested in women empowerment for higher agricultural productivity and minimized the challenges they face in food production.

scholarly journals Improving Food and Nutrition Security in Kenya’s Arid Lands-A Mini Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 45-63
Author(s):  
Michael N. I. Lokuruka
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
National Level ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition

This paper presents a review of the literature on food and nutrition security in Kenya’s arid counties. It also provides strategies that can be adopted to improve food and nutrition security in the counties. Due to their aridity, they are associated with low economic, health, literacy and food and nutrition security indicators. They bear the brunt of food and nutrition insecurity and a proportionately higher percentage of their population faces starvation, whenever droughts occur. Stunting and wasting in the region’s children averages 28 and 14%, respectively. The figures compare poorly with the national averages of 4% and 11%, respectively. As the indices are related to quantity, diversity and quality of food intake, there is need to reduce food and nutrition insecurity in these Counties. Past efforts to reduce food and nutrition insecurity have failed, due to lack of long-term commitment from the National-level of Government, the use of inefficient farming technologies and low level of mechanization. Poverty, low and unpredictable rainfall for rain-fed agriculture, inconsistent livestock marketing of poor quality livestock, high crop production costs, high food prices also contribute to food and nutrition insecurity of the region. To improve food and nutrition security, it is recommended that the National-level of Government cedes the implementation of food production programmes to County Governments, while it strengthens food production policies, diversification of livelihoods and supports resilience-building. Other recommendations include innovating solar and wind-power devices to run machinery for food production, processing and preservation. Improvements in water harvesting, storage and pumping with wind and solar-powered equipment can also be explored. These improvements should eventually reduce dependence on food importation, which raises food prices, and de-incentivizes local farmers. Diversification of livelihoods, good governance and the application of appropriate technologies in food production, value addition and cooperation of the two levels of Government, are likely to gradually improve access and availability of quality and affordable food. The potential result is an improving food and nutrition security situation in Kenya’s arid Counties.

scholarly journals Depression among women of reproductive age in rural Bangladesh is linked to food security, diets and nutrition

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 660-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thalia M Sparling ◽  
Jillian L Waid ◽  
Amanda S Wendt ◽  
Sabine Gabrysch
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Dominance Analysis ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition

AbstractObjective:To quantify the relationship between screening positive for depression and several indicators of the food and nutrition environment in Bangladesh.Design:We used cross-sectional data from the Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition (FAARM) trial in Bangladesh to examine the association of depression in non-peripartum (NPW) and peripartum women (PW) with food and nutrition security using multivariable logistic regression and dominance analysis.Setting:Rural north-eastern Bangladesh.Participants:Women of reproductive age.Results:Of 2599 women, 40 % were pregnant or up to 1 year postpartum, while 60 % were not peripartum. Overall, 20 % of women screened positive for major depression. In the dominance analysis, indicators of food and nutrition security were among the strongest explanatory factors of depression. Food insecurity (HFIAS) and poor household food consumption (FCS) were associated with more than double the odds of depression (HFIAS: NPW OR = 2·74 and PW OR = 3·22; FCS: NPW OR = 2·38 and PW OR = 2·44). Low dietary diversity (<5 food groups) was associated with approximately double the odds of depression in NPW (OR = 1·80) and PW (OR = 1·99). Consumption of dairy, eggs, fish, vitamin A-rich and vitamin C-rich foods was associated with reduced odds of depression. Anaemia was not associated with depression. Low BMI (<18·5 kg/m2) was also associated with depression (NPW: OR = 1·40).Conclusions:Depression among women in Bangladesh was associated with many aspects of food and nutrition security, also after controlling for socio-economic factors. Further investigation into the direction of causality and interventions to improve diets and reduce depression among women in low- and middle-income countries are urgently needed.

scholarly journals Food and Nutrition Security in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania): Status, Challenges and Prospects

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael N.I. Lokuruka
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Educational Achievement ◽  
East African ◽  
African Countries ◽  
East African Community ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Farmer Organizations ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
African Community

Achieving food and nutrition security remains a tall order for developing countries. The FAO, IFPRI, WFP, UNICEF and other international bodies continue to provide active support in order to achieve global food and nutrition security. However, low technological capability, inefficient production, insignificant economic growth, increasing populations and lately climate variability, affect food production, leading to either stagnation or modest gains in food and nutrition security in different regions of the World. For African countries, food and nutrition security continues to improve, albeit at a slow pace, although the recent breakout of COVID-19 is bound to lead to a decline in food production, in the short and mid-term. In the East African Community, political stability, ambitious economic planning, the quest for higher agricultural productivity, improving educational achievement, improving sanitation and health, are contributing to the improving food and nutrition security. To hasten the process, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania embraced Vision 2030, Vision 2040 and Vision 2025, respectively. These grand, socio-economic plans bore Vision 2050 in the East African Community and Vision 2063 for the African Union. This chapter examines food and nutrition security in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and provides country-specific recommendations for achieving it. These include investing in agriculture, decelerating population growth, using adaptive research to solve farmer-problems, strengthening farmer-organizations and the formation of cooperatives.

scholarly journals Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prospects for the Future

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2738
Author(s):  
Prasanna Venkatesh Sampath ◽  
Gaddam Sai Jagadeesh ◽  
Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Sustainable Intensification ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Increase Food Production ◽  
Paddy Cultivation ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely impacting food and nutrition security and requires urgent attention from policymakers. Sustainable intensification of agriculture is one strategy that attempts to increase food production without adversely impacting the environment, by shifting from water-intensive crops to other climate-resistant and nutritious crops. This paper focuses on the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh by studying the impact of shifting 20% of the area under paddy and cotton cultivation to other crops like millets and pulses. Using FAO’s CROPWAT model, along with monsoon forecasts and detailed agricultural data, we simulate the crop water requirements across the study area. We simulate a business-as-usual base case and compare it to multiple crop diversification strategies using various parameters—food, calories, protein production, as well as groundwater and energy consumption. Results from this study indicate that reduced paddy cultivation decreases groundwater and energy consumption by around 9–10%, and a calorie deficit between 4 and 8%—making up this calorie deficit requires a 20–30% improvement in the yields of millets and pulses. We also propose policy interventions to incentivize the cultivation of nutritious and climate-resistant crops as a sustainable strategy towards strengthening food and nutrition security while lowering the environmental footprint of food production.

scholarly journals Role of Agriculture in ensuring Food Security

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Malati Kaini
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Development Strategy ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Food System ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Structural Problems ◽  
Food And Nutrition

The 2007-2008 food crises and the renewed surge in food prices in 2010-2011 have exposed deep structural problems in the global food system and the need to increase food production. The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing "when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life". Despite Nepal has no worse food and nutrition security situation among SAARC countries, there are some districts where food is always in shortage. The explicit constitutional recognition of the right to food and other related provisions in articles 36 and 42 of the new constitution will be instrumental for implementing food security programs in the country. Food security for poor people is based on sustainable food production. Many proven technologies and improved practices have the promise to boost agricultural production and ensure food security in developing countries like Nepal. Food and Nutrition security program (FANUSEP) is one of the flagship programs of Agriculture Development Strategy 2015-2035 (ADS), which is in the first phase of its implementation. It aims at improving the food and nutrition security of the most disadvantaged groups of the population.

scholarly journals The Brazilian school feeding programme: an example of an integrated programme in support of food and nutrition security

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 989-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilie Sidaner ◽  
Daniel Balaban ◽  
Luciene Burlandy
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Security Policy ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Food System ◽  
National Council ◽  
School Meals ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
School Feeding ◽  
Food And Nutrition

AbstractObjectiveThe present paper analyses the advances and challenges of the school feeding programme in Brazil (PNAE), as part of the Brazilian experience building up an integrated food and nutrition security national system. It explores the role of policy and regulatory frameworks in constructing quality service delivery and intersectoral integration.DesignReview of PNAE and federal government technical documents and studies, legislation, minutes of meetings and official documents of the National Council of Food and Nutrition Security from 2003 to 2011.SettingFood insecurity has decreased significantly in Brazil in the last decade, indicating that appropriate choices were made in terms of public policies and institutional arrangements, which other countries can learn from.SubjectsBrazil food and nutrition security system; school feeding; school food.ResultsBrazil's integrated food and nutrition security policy approach promoted intersectorality in the food system, articulating actions to guarantee access to healthy food and to strengthen family farming. The quality of school meals has progressively improved; in particular, the availability of fruits and vegetables increased. However, national standards regarding menu composition have not yet been met. Regulations were an important factor, along with the policy approach linking food production, nutrition, health and education. Challenges are related to conflict of interests and to farmers’ insufficient capacity to meet supply requirements and comply with technical procedures.ConclusionsLocal food production, school meals and nutrition education can be linked through integrated programmes and policies, improving access to healthier foods. Government leadership, strong legislation, civil society participation and intersectoral decision making are determinant.

scholarly journals On- and Off-Farm Diversification and Travel Time to Markets: Linkages to Food Security in Rural Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Bergau ◽  
Tim K. Loos ◽  
Orkhan Sariyev
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Farm Diversification ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Production Diversity ◽  
On Farm

AbstractFood insecurity persists in large parts of Ethiopia. Recent literature suggests that both on-farm and off-farm diversification, as well as access to agricultural markets, may help improve household dietary diversity scores (HDDS) as an indicator for food and nutrition security. While the HDDS is frequently used, a diversity score for the production side has rarely been applied at a comparable level of (dis-)aggregation. Employing socio-economic data collected covering 400 Ethiopian smallholder farmers, this study investigates how the travel time to markets, non-farm income, and on-farm production diversity associate with household food and nutrition security. Findings suggest that production diversity and higher non-farm income are linked to more diverse diets. With longer travel time to markets, food consumption is less varied. Production diversity and increased market participation do not appear to be mutually exclusive, and thus, should be considered equally when developing policy interventions.

scholarly journals Research, development and capacity building for food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-281
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Research Development ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Human Capacity ◽  
Sub Saharan

This paper focuses on research, development, and capacity building in relation to food and nutrition security (FNS) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It looks at human capacity, education, teaching and learning, women empowerment, research, innovation and technology, research, indigenous knowledge (IK), institutional aspects, infrastructure, information and communication technologies (ICT), policies and finance. Professional bodies exist in many countries and the extent to which they engage in FNS awareness creation differs. Food and nutrition insecurity continues to affect people in Africa’s 54 nations where the population is expected to double by 2050 with the expected doubling of food production to keep pace with population growth. Within the continent there is a substantial number of human capacity professionals who are global leaders in food, nutrition and related professions. Some research organisations in the continent directly or indirectly benefit from grants administered by developed economies but a challenge exists with brain drain and ageing of qualified and experienced experts. Increasing educational need, coupled with the growing population necessitates attention to ensuring a sustained supply of highly trained, adequately equipped and qualified professionals in the relevant fields of food and nutrition sciences. Higher educational institutions exist in especially those that fall within the 500 in world universities ranking. Research activities take place in the continent along with the translation of research outputs into commercialisable products. Research towards transforming agriculture for improved livelihoods is taking place in different parts of the continent. Education, governance, gender and rural development are the key challenges. Income growth and the impacts of climate change on food production have contributed to food insecurity. ICTs can play an important role for FNS. Strengthening research, development, capacity building and industry cooperation are critical for FNS in Africa.

scholarly journals Pengembangan Metode Evaluasi Komitmen Ketahanan Pangan Dan Gizi Pemerintah Daerah Provinsi Di Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Novfitri Syuryadi ◽  
Drajat Martianto ◽  
Dadang Sukandar
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Regional Government ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
The Government

Background: Methods of evaluation of the regional government’s commitment in the development of food and nutrition security are not yet available. The index that measures the government’s commitment to national food and nutrition security is HANCI. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a method of evaluating the commitment of the regional government in the development of food and nutrition security.Objectives: This study aimed to develop a method of evaluating the commitment of regional government in the development of food and nutrition security.  Methods: The design of this study was a cross-sectional study using secondary data that refers to HANCI measurements. This research stage consisted of identification of potential indicators, qualitative selection of candidate indicator, assessment of indicator used the scoring method, and applied the method to provinces in Indonesia. Results: The result showed shortlist of 42 commitment indicators of food and nutrition security and aggregate score of provinces. Only 2.9% of provinces had high commitment and 17.6% of provinces with low commitment level. Highest rank was achieved by East Java Province and the lowest rank was East Nusa Tenggara Province. Low political commitment could lead to low priority of food and nutrition interventions. The government was in need to make regulations/policies and prepare adequate budgets for specific and sensitive food and nutrition programs.Conclusions: Development of this evaluation method is relevant to show the commitment of the regional government. The government needs to improve efforts to address problems of food and nutrition.ABSTRAK Latar Belakang: Metode evaluasi komitmen pemerintah daerah provinsi dalam pembangunan ketahanan pangan dan gizi saat ini belum tersedia. Index yang mengukur komitmen pemerintah terhadap ketahanan pangan dan gizi secara nasional adalah HANCI. Oleh karena itu, studi ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan metode evaluasi komitmen pemerintah daerah provinsi dalam pembangunan ketahanan pangan dan gizi.Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan metode evaluasi komitmen pemerintah daerah provinsi dalam pengembangan ketahanan pangan dan gizi.Metode: Desain penelitian ini adalah cross-sectional study dengan menggunakan data sekunder yang mengacu pada pengukuran HANCI. Tahap penelitian terdiri dari identifikasi indikator potensial, seleksi calon indikator secara kualitatif, perhitungan skor menggunakan metode scoring, dan aplikasi metode pada provinsi di Indonesia.Hasil: Hasil menunjukkan shortlist 42 indikator komitmen ketahanan pangan dan gizi dan skor agregat provinsi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa hanya 2,9% provinsi yang memiliki komitmen tinggi dan 17,6% provinsi memiliki tingkat komitmen rendah. Provinsi Jawa Timur berada pada peringkat pertama sedangkan peringkat terakhir ditempati oleh Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur. Komitmen politik yang rendah dapat menyebabkan rendahnya prioritas intervensi pangan dan gizi. Pemerintah perlu membuat peraturan/kebijakan dan menyiapkan anggaran yang memadai untuk program pangan dan gizi secara spesifik maupun sensitif.Kesimpulan: Pengembangan metode telah relevan digunakan untuk melihat komitmen pemerintah daerah provinsi. Pemerintah perlu meningkatkan upaya berupa pembuatan peraturan dan kebijakan serta anggaran untuk penanganan masalah pangan dan gizi. 

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