Women’s income and household food security in Uyui district, Tabora.

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Date

2008

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

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

Citation