Women’s income and household food security in Uyui district, Tabora.
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Date
2008
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The study was done in Uyui district, Tabora region to examine the contribution of
women’s IGAs to household food security among smallholder farmers. Specifically the
study sought: (1) To identify types of income generating activities (IGAs) in study area. (2)
To compare food security status of female headed households versus male headed
households. (3) To determine household food security coping strategies. (4) To determine
the extent to which IGAs income is used for household food security and (5) To assess the
contribution of other factors to household food security. A cross section survey was
conducted and questionnaire was used to interview 120 respondents who were randomly
selected in four villages of Magiri, Izenga, Kigwa and Ibiri. Study findings showed that
types of income generating activities among respondents were non-farm activities, farming
and salaries. Key activities undertaken were food vending, selling of seasonal fruits and
selling of local brew. The study found that female headed HHs spent more income on food
than male headed HHs, on average female headed HHs spent 478 000 Tshs while male
HHs spent 416 333/=. The study further shows about 46.7% and 36.7% of female headed
HHs and male headed HHs respectively were found to be food insecure. The study also
observed coping strategies adopted by households which include, food offer, food purchase
on credit, begging, exchanging and selling of livestock, casual labour and reduced number
of meals. It has been observed that, the major contributing factors to household food
insecurity were; low production, lack of labour force, low income and purchasing power.
The study draws a number of recommendations as to what should be done so as to assist in
improving household food security. Tanzania Goverment should encourage farmers to use
fertilizers, provide entrpreneurship training and encourage Micro-Finance institutions to
provide soft loan for women.
Description
Master's Dissertation
Keywords
Women’s, Income, Household, Food security, Uyui district