Factors Affecting Household Food Security: A Case Study of Mtwara Rural District-Mtwara Region

This study examined the factors that affect household food security in Mtwara rural district. The specific objectives were(a) to establish the level of knowledge about food security (b) to establish the level of food production at household level (c) to assess the impact of food insecurity at household level on family members. A case study research design was used in this study. Structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interview from Key Informants were the main instrument for data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative data were processed using Epi Info Version 3.2.2 (2004) soft ware for analysis. The study revealed that, despite 59.9% having excellent knowledge on food security food insecurity still exist. Food production was on subsistence level despite 32.2% having farming experience of more than 10 years. About 90.8% used hand hoe in farming. Further, about 95.5% did not apply agricultural inputs. It was revealed that, 56.8% of all food was sold immediately after harvest. The study revealed that, 75% of storage structures were kitchen ceiling and 24.2% polythene bags. About 79.1% did not treat food before storage. About 33.5% of all food stored food was destroyed during storage, 61.5% lost between 1-200 kg, 27.2% lost between 201-400 kg, 5.2% lost between 401-600 kg while 6.1% lost more than 601 kg. Overall, 46.8% was food insecure. It was concluded that, poor farming technology, excessive selling and poor storage contributed to food insecurity in the study area. It was recommended that, farming technologies and storage structures and techniques should be improved.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University Of Tanzania

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Barago, Daniel Kadeswa

• 360 Social services; association

Language dc:language

en