Characterizing Population and Food Security in Rural Uganda

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Characterizing Population and Food Security in Rural Uganda

Nuwatuhaire Benard, Andrew Ainomugisha
Kampala international University, Uganda

Abstract:-The study was carried out to characterize population and food security in rural households of Uganda in terms food availability, accessibility, and food utilization. The data was collected from 206 respondents in rural households of Western and Northern Uganda. Quantitative and Qualitative data collection methods were used to deduct critical information for this study. Statistical Package of Social Scientists (SPSS) version sixteen was used in data analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed using general content analysis to derive at major themes. The study revealed that 68% do not have enough food, 78% cannot access quality and quantity of food and 49% cannot eat nutritious food to live a healthy life. The study concluded that in Uganda there is a cute hunger, malnutrition and famine. The study recommended that there is need for Ugandan government to come up with deliberate food security policy.

Key words: population, food security, food availability, food accessibility, and food utilization.

I. INTRODUCTION

Uganda is an agrarian country. The country is well endowed with fertile soil, reliable rain fall and sunshine (Byarugaba 1987). These conditions make it possible to grow crops and rear animals (Mpuga,. 2007) all around the year (National Advisory Services Report, 2012).Despite these conditions, people are grappling with severe hunger which has caused death and many people are suffering from acute malnutrition (Oxfam, 2016) and it is among the countries in Africa with the highest population growth rate of over 3.5% per annum (UBOS 2015). It was therefore necessary to carry out this study and find of how food is produced, accessed, and utilized food and then come up with appropriate measure to ensure food security in Uganda.

II. METHODOLOGY

The study used mixed method research design. A total of 240 respondents from rural households were selected using systematic sampling and purposive sampling procedures. Content validity index and pilot test were used for validity and reliability of the research instruments. Descriptive analysis and general content analysis were used to analyze the data.

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