The Impact of food availability in the Household on the food security status of children under five years in Usigu division,Bondo district
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Date
2004Author
Subbo, Wilfred Keraka
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
To determine the association between household food availability and food security of
children below five years of age.
The methods of data collection included, structured questionnaires, participant
observations, focus group discussions and key informants. Data was analysed
qualitatively and quantitatively, through critical descriptions, percentage tables and
cross-tabulations.
Majority of the respondents produced their own food from their farms rather than
purchasing it from the markets.
Respondents who combined livestock rearing with farming i.e. those who practiced
mixed farming realized higher levels of food security compared to those who relied
solely on farming.
Respondents who kept small animals such as goats, sheep and poultry had a better
source of farmyard manure compared to those who did not.
The kind of storage facilities respondents used determined the level of food availability
in their households. Much food was wasted through inappropriate food storage
facilities.
The system of food distribution to household members and the quality and quantity of
food consumed by children in particular determined their food security status.
That effort must be taken to reinforce the local food security system through ensuring
better farming methods to ensure sustainable farming.
Kitchen gardens be developed and maintained by all households since they increase
the level of food availability.
That agricultural information and extension services be focused on women who are the
main food producers and distributors in the households. Furthermore, credit facilities
should be made available to them to ensure sustainable farming.
Citation
Working Document for the Workshop at Pan Afric Hotel Nairobi.Monday 26th to Thursday 29th January 2004Publisher
Kenyan – Danish Health Research Project ( KEDAHR Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies, University of Nairobi