Determinants of rural household food security: a comparative analysis of African and Asian studies

Abstract

This paper reviews the determinants of rural household food security in Africa and Asia where more than 88% of the world's undernourished people live. A conceptual model is proposed on the basis of the three widely known components of food security: food availability, accessibility and utilisation. This model is used to select a total of 40 peer-reviewed studies carried out over the last decade (20 each from Africa and Asia). A meta-analysis technique is then used to identify which determinants of food security have been highlighted and how well the causality is demonstrated. Food availability is the most studied component in both regions, followed by food accessibility, while food utilisation is the most neglected component in these studies.

Climate change, food security, and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa

“…The food security literature shows that food security is dependent not only on food production but also on food access and food utilization (Misselhorn 2005). While food security is a fundamental requirement for human sustenance, people's well-being is also influenced by other aspects of their livelihoods, such as income, health, and assets (Bashir and Schilizzi 2013). The literature on sustainable livelihoods demonstrates that livelihoods are composed of a combination of assets (or capitals) that allow people to follow a combination of strategies to attain livelihood outcomes (including better or worse food security) (Scoones 1998;Carney et al 1999).…”

The effect of education on household food security in two informal urban settlements in Kenya: a longitudinal analysis

“…Several studies, the majority outside SSA, have explored the mechanism through which education and food security influence each other (Das and Sahoo 2012;Amali 2012; USDA Economic Research Service 2014; Bashir and Schilizzi 2013;Reimers and Klasen 2013;Gebre 2012;Oluwatayo 2009;De Muro and Burchi 2007). The findings are, however, mixed with some showing a negative effect of education on agricultural production (Amali 2012) while the majority found a positive association (Bashir et al 2012;De Muro and Burchi 2007;Faye et al 2011;Birhane et al 2014).…”

“…In the rural context, education influences food security through access to information on best agricultural production, nutrition and sanitation; increased efficiency, hence increased production and better decision making as well as the pride that comes with education (De Muro and Burchi 2007;Bashir and Schilizzi 2013). While these mechanisms may also apply among urban households, the pathways differ.…”

“…These proxies have effects on the access, utilization and availability dimensions of food security. Increased years of schooling are associated with better employment opportunities, working efficiency, better decision making and increased disposable income (Bashir and Schilizzi 2013;Gebre 2012). It is estimated that 90 % of the food consumed by the urban population is purchased and that poor households spend more than 50 % of their income on food and are more vulnerable to food price increases (Ruel and Garrett 2004;FAO et al 2012).…”

“…It is estimated that 90 % of the food consumed by the urban population is purchased and that poor households spend more than 50 % of their income on food and are more vulnerable to food price increases (Ruel and Garrett 2004;FAO et al 2012). Given this, individuals and households with higher levels of education can be said to be more likely to be food secure because of their increased purchasing power (Bashir and Schilizzi 2013). While this is true, labour participation among the urban poor is mainly in the informal sector with returns that can barely meet their daily needs.…”