Assessing the relationship between household vulnerability and food security in Uganda, a case study of Kakindu sub County-Mityana district

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between household vulnerability and food security in Uganda, a case study of Kakindu Sub County-Mityana District. The study was based on three objectives: to examine the relationship between single headed household and food access in Kakindu Sub County, to examine the relationship between household income status and food affordability in Kakindu Sub County and to examine the relationship between female headed household and food availability in Kakindu Sub County. The study design comprised of case study design capturing categorical description of attitudes of the study population employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample size of 185 was used. Data was collected using self administer questionnaires, interviews and review of related literature as the major tools and methods of data collection respectively. Study findings revealed that, 32(17.3%) strongly disagreed; 62(33.5%) disagreed; 10(5.4%) were not sure and 45(24.3%) agreed, while 37(19.5%) strongly agreed with the statement. Indeed, most of them, 49 (52.1%) disagreed to that statement children in single-headed homes often skip meals due to lack of food. Field results revealed majority, 67 (36.2%) agreed that single-headed households struggle more to provide three meals a day. The findings indicate that food insecurity tends to be pronounced among single-headed households. Field results further revealed the largest percentage, 56.7% agreed that children in single-headed households have limited access to nutritious food. This means that half of the participants acknowledged that children raised in single-headed families are less likely to access a balanced and nutritious diet. Field results revealed 103 (55.1%) disagreed that household income is sufficient to purchase adequate food every month. Field results further revealed that 126 (68.1%) acknowledged that rising or high food prices pose a barrier for low-income families in Kakindu Sub County when it comes to obtaining adequate meals. Findings from the field that 125(67.5%) agreed with the statement that low income limits the number of meals a household can afford per day. The study recommends that Local government authorities in Kakindu Sub County, in partnership with World Food Programme (WFP) and community-based organizations (CBOs) should establish localized food distribution points. Further, the District Local Government of Mityana should collaborate with vocational institutes like Uganda Skills Development Project to provide skills training to low-income households improving their employment prospects and income levels.