Assessment of the diets and food security of households hosting and not hosting internally displaced persons in the Kora, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction. Terrorism is escalating in the Sahel region of Africa, forcing massive population displacement and worsening food insecurity. Aim. The objective of the present study was to assess the level of food insecurity within households hosting internally displaced persons (IDP), known as host households, compared to households not hosting internally displaced persons, known as non-host households in the Kora area in Burkina Faso. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2020 at the Kora area and included 70 host households and 73 non-host households. Results. Most of the households had smallholding and were living from subsistence farming. Host households had better quality diets in terms of diet diversification compared to non-host households. In addition, the non-host household were the most vulnerable in terms of food insecurity. Factors associated with household food insecurity were household status (i.e. host or non-host household) and the occupation (i.e. function) of the head of the households. Conclusion. Food assistance received by IDPs improved the quality of food for their host families but did not protect them from food insecurity with all its consequences. Recommendation. The Burkinabe state, in collaboration with the concerned stakeholders should promote good dietary diversity practices, improve food availability and access and monitor host households and provide them with substantial food aid without forget the non-host households which are also exposed.