Food Intervention Programs on Food Security in Nassir County, South Sudan

Abstract

Widespread hunger and malnutrition persist today despite considerable growth in per capita food availability. This has prompted an evolving conceptualization of food security and of mechanisms to attain and maintain food security. The study aimed at establishing food security and food intervention programs designed to respond to the threat of hunger. The primary objective of the study focused on the effects of food intervention programs on food security in Nassir County, South Sudan. The specific objectives of the study were guided by four variables; emergency response programs, mid-term intervention, long term food intervention and coping strategies. The Theory of Change and Stakeholders Theory anchored the study variables. The descriptive research design was adopted, and in the process proved significant in establishing the existing relationship between the variables. The study target population was 9,996 individuals obtained from different institutions as outlined. A sample of 370 individuals was considered by the researcher. The reliability tool was determined by the use of SPSS Software version 25. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in percentages, mean and standard deviation. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The study used inferential statistics to test the hypotheses. The study revealed that an emergency response program with p=0.489 has a weak insignificant positive effect on food security in Nassir County. Secondly, mid-term food intervention with an r (215), =0.048, p=0.001>0.05 showed that there was significant and positive moderate effect on food security. Thirdly, long-term food security intervention with a r (215)=.208, p=.003 showed that there was a significant and positive moderate effect on food security. Finally, coping strategies with a (r(215) =-.17. p=.807>0.05) demonstrated that there is an adverse (negative) effect on food security. The study recommended that a multisector response with a lens for relief, development and peace initiatives would be effective in addressing food security.