The effects of socio-economic factors on the food security status of rural households in the Eastern Cape Province: Evidence from farming households

Abstract

Issues relating to food availability, accessibility, affordability, and utilization remain of paramount importance among rural households. In order to formulate or implement relevant food security programs in rural areas, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the food security status of rural households. This study sought to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among rural households in the Eastern Cape Province, as well as its key socioeconomic and demographic factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 240 households using questionnaires about food security. A convenience sampling method was used to collect data, along with a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The binary logistic regression model revealed that age of household head, education level of household head, access to credit, household income, and household size were all associated with food security status. Thus, this study recommends that the government at all levels (local, state, and federal) have an adequate budget allocated to increasing awareness of the benefits of participating in farming to improve the livelihood outcomes of households