Food security and food sources linked to dietary diversity in rural smallholder farming households in Central Uganda

Undernourishment, low food quantity and poor dietary quality are common among smallholders in rural communities. A cross-sectional study of rural smallholder farming households (n=174) with children under five in Kiboga district, Uganda. Limited diversity of crops grown, low consumption of micronutrient-rich foods, child stunting, and household food insecurity were observed. Households had adequate food supply for 7.6±0.2 months a year and only 35% were food secure. Four household typologies 1st (29% households) and 2nd (23%) had more food secure households, 3rd (28%) had mild food insecurity and 4th (20%) had severe food insecurity. The 3rd and 4th typologies had the lowest dietary diversity. The household typologies can be used to develop context specific strategies to improve dietary diversity.

Nabuuma, D.; Ekesa, B.; Faber, M.; Mbhenyane, X.