Factors affecting the food security status and participation in food security intervention programmes in Maphumulo

Abstract

This study assessed the factors affecting the food security status and participation in food security intervention programmes in Maphumulo. A number of food security intervention programmes were introduced in KZN Province to ensure food security. However, household food security status remains a concern in South Africa and there is noted a lack of participation in the intervention programmes. Using a proportional stratified sampling procedure the study sampled 495 respondents (330 “One Home One Garden” programme beneficiaries and 165 non-participating households) in Maphumulo. To estimate a household’s food security, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and Household Food Consumption Score (HFCS) measures were employed. Food consumption pattern were characterized by a low average HDDS of 3.1 in “One Home One Garden” group and 3.67 in non- participating households. However, the majority (65%) of the “One Home One Garden” participating households had an acceptable (≥35) HFCS whilst the majority (54%) of non–participating households had a borderline (21.5 to 35) HFCS. A Binary Logistic made binary logistic model was employed in two instances: firstly to identify the factors influencing the food security status and secondly to determine participation in government food security intervention programmes. In the first instance, 5 out of 13 variables were significant. Age, household, household farming experience and household receiving extension support were found to have a positive influence on the food security status of the household while household size and access to credit had a negative influence. In the second instance, 6 variables of the 14 were found to be significant. Household size, household income and household food security status had a positive influence on the household’s participation in government food security intervention programmes while age, educational level parameters and farm size had a negative influence. The majority (71%) of the respondents were totally dissatisfied with government intervention programmes such as the mechanization support and quality of government support received. The study therefore proposes the following recommendations aimed at enhancing level of participation and the food security status of households participating in food security initiatives: the government should support households by making available improved inputs such as hybrid seeds that give farmers better high yields, and marketable and high quality output which fetch better prices in the market. High returns stimulate participation in food security programmes.