Impact of social capital on food security in southeast Uganda

Abstract

Assuring food security in Uganda is a fundamental challenge that the government and development agencies face. Recent analyses indicate that some successes have been achieved, but food insecurity gaps still exist, with implications for more concerted investments in a multiplicity of community assets to achieve better results. This study assessed whether social capital is a key asset for achievement of food security in Kamuli district, southeast Uganda. More specifically, it focused on the determinants and levels of participation in food security groups. The study also explored the status, challenges and gaps of information flows in rural communities. Potential relationships between social capital and food security were also examined. Data were collected using a survey (378 randomly sampled households from six subcounties), group discussions (21 groups) and community interviews (12 communities), and analyzed using SPSS and NVIVO. Results indicated that participation in food security groups is affected by socio-demographic, economic and spatial factors. These included age, education level of the household head, a household’s possession of a non-agricultural income source, land acreage owned and distance to health facilities. Participation in a food security group is motivated by perceived benefits such as access to material incentives and capacity building opportunities available to members as well as group leadership style and mutual trust among members. The level of partnerships -– other groups, organizations and institutions with which groups work in development interventions -was low. For groups with partnerships, members wished that they continue working with them for an indefinite period, an indication of dependency. Information was accessed from a variety of sources including local community members and leaders, private