Characteristics and Determinants of Household Food Consumption of Female Vegetable Farmers in Pekanbaru City, Riau Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Food is a fundamental human need. Food must be provided in sufficient quantity, be of good quality, be safe to consume, and be affordable. Furthermore, the determining factor of household food consumption is income. If income increases, the consumption pattern of nutritious food will also improve. The study aimed to analyze the characteristics of female vegetable farmers, their household food consumption, and the determinants of household food consumption in Pekanbaru City. The research data were obtained through an interview survey, with 65 female vegetable farmers selected using simple random sampling. This study found that female vegetable farmers in Pekanbaru City were of productive age, had a high school education level, and mostly had 3-4 family members. The household food consumption of the participants fulfilled the PPH score target for Pekanbaru City but did not fulfill the national target. Therefore, the household food security of female vegetable farmers in Pekanbaru City has not been achieved nationally. The study further revealed that household income, number of family members, and education of female vegetable farmers were significant determinants of household food consumption. In contrast, the age of female vegetable farmers did not significantly affect household food consumption. Overall, the study highlights the importance of improving the food security of female vegetable farmers in Pekanbaru City by addressing the significant determinants of household food consumption. This can be achieved by implementing policies and programs to increase household income, improve education levels, and reduce family size.