Abstract
BackgroundFood insecurity is a widespread public health concern in many communities of sub-Saharan Africa. This study involved the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania, the only ethnic group in the country that has traditionally subsisted on hunting and gathering. In recent years, however, these communities have adopted mixed foraging economies. Information on how this change affects household food security is rather limited. The aim of this study was to assess the status of food security and the factors influencing household food security in the Hadza hunter-gatherer communities.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 200 households was conducted in Mkalama district, Tanzania. Sampled householders represented individuals whose livelihood is mainly dependent on foraging (n = 129), beekeeping (n = 30) and farming (n = 41). Food security was measured by assessing food availability (Months of Adequate Food Provisioning (MAHFP)), food access (Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS)) and food utilization (Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS)).ResultsMean MAHFP was lower (p = 0.000) in predominantly foraging households (8.4 ± 1.1) compared with those involved in beekeeping (8.7 ± 1.6) or farming (9.6 ± 1.9). Based on HFIAS indicator, the prevalence of food insecurity varied with the household’s main activity (83.0% foraging, 46.7% beekeeping and 26.8% farming). Further, regression analyses show that the farming households were more likely to be food secure than the foraging households (OR = 10.7, p = 0.01). Dietary diversity scores also varied significantly with household’s main activity. About 65% of households (86% foraging, 63.3% beekeeping and 2.4% farming) consumed diets below the critical value of ≤ 4 food groups 24 h prior to survey. Social demographic characteristics and livelihood options are strong predictors of household food security.ConclusionAll indicators used to assess food security point to high level of food insecurity in households mainly subsisting on foraging compared with beekeeping and farming. The primary dependence on foraging is associated with a longer period of food shortage, high prevalence of food insecurity conditions and low consumption of food varieties. Livelihood diversification coupled with provision of agricultural support services is necessary for the development of a secure future of the Hadza communities.
Highlights
The state of food insecurity remains high in poor countries [1], and seems to be most severe in sub-Saharan Africa [2]
Studies show that large areas of former bush that once provided wild foods are being used for farming and pastoral activities [20, 21]. This situation has resulted in mixed foraging economies which are characterized by decreasing reliance on wild foods and the development of more agriculturally dependent economy [10]
Livelihood options Results from the present study have demonstrated that households with large family size or high dependency ratio practised farming more than their counterparts
Summary
The state of food insecurity remains high in poor countries [1], and seems to be most severe in sub-Saharan Africa [2]. The Hadzabe (pl.; Hadza, sing.) of Tanzania ( known as Hadzapi, Hatsa, Tindiga, Kindiga, and Kangeju) present the only ethnic group that has traditionally subsisted on hunting and gathering in the country [13, 14]. The objectives of this study were (i) to examine the household choices of main livelihood options (ii) to assess the status of household food security and (iii) to determine the factors affecting household food security Knowledge on these aspects is crucial in designing interventions that aim to address food security challenges facing the contemporary hunter-gatherers. These communities have adopted mixed foraging economies Information on how this change affects household food security is rather limited. The aim of this study was to assess the status of food security and the factors influencing household food security in the Hadza hunter-gatherer communities
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