Household Socio-demographic Characteristics Research Articles

Black-white racial disparities in household food insecurity from 2005 to 2014, Canada.

ObjectivesTo understand the differential vulnerability to household food insecurity of the Black population as compared with white counterparts in Canada.MethodsUsing data for households with Black and white respondents in pooled Canadian Community Health Survey cycles from 2005 to 2014, the 18-question Household Food Security Survey Module was analyzed (N = 491,400). Bivariate and multivariate logistic and multinomial regression models were run using respondent’s race, immigration status, and six well-established predictors of household food insecurity in the general population. Additional multivariable logistic regression models were run, with race interacted with each predictor individually to yield predicted probabilities.ResultsThe weighted prevalence of household food insecurity was 10.0% for white respondents and 28.4% for Black respondents. The odds of Black households being food-insecure as compared with white households fell from 3.56 (95% CI: 3.30–3.85) to 1.88 (95% CI: 1.70–2.08) with adjustment for household socio-demographic characteristics. In contrast with white households, there was relative homogeneity of risk of food insecurity among Black subgroups defined by immigration status, household composition, education, and province of residence. Homeownership was associated with lower probabilities of food insecurity for Black and white households, but the probability among Black owners was similar to that for white renters (14.7% vs. 14.3%). Black households had significantly higher predicted probabilities of food insecurity than their white counterparts across all main sources of household income except child benefits and social assistance.ConclusionBeing racialized as Black appears to be an overriding factor shaping vulnerability to food insecurity for the Black population in Canada. Future research and public policy on food insecurity should seriously consider the role of racism at the systemic and institutional levels.

Shedding Light on the Factors That Influence Residential Demand Response in Japan

Residential demand response empowers the role of electricity consumers by allowing them to change their patterns of consumption, which can help balance the energy grid. Although such type of management is envisaged to play an increasingly important role in the integration of renewables into the grid, the factors that influence household engagement in these initiatives have not been fully explored in Japan. This study examines the influence of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and socio-demographic characteristics of households in Yokohama on their willingness to participate in demand response programs. Time of use, real time pricing, critical peak pricing, and direct load control were considered as potential candidates for adoption. In addition, the authors explored the willingness of households to receive non-electricity related information in their in-home displays and participate in a philanthropy-based peer-to-peer energy platform. Primary data were collected though a questionnaire survey and supplemented by key informant interviews. The findings indicate that household income, ownership of electric vehicles, socio-environmental awareness, perceived sense of comfort, control, and complexity, as well as philanthropic inclinations, all constitute drivers that influence demand flexibility. Finally, policy recommendations that could potentially help introduce residential demand response programs to a wider section of the public are also proposed.

Adherence to Isoniazid Preventive Therapy among children living with tuberculosis patients in Delhi, India: An exploratory prospective study

INH Preventive Therapy (IPT) substantially reduces the risk of incidence of TB disease in pediatric household contacts of TB patients. The National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) of India prescribes a daily regimen of Isoniazid to all under-6 pediatric contacts for 6 months duration.We conducted, this exploratory prospective study (June to Nov’ 2020) to assess adherence to IPT and reasons for nonadherence among child contacts of microbiologically confirmed, drug sensitive, non-PLHIV Tuberculosis patients in Delhi, India. The study outcomes included the initiation, adherence and completion of IPT. The caregivers of the child TB contacts were interviewed face to face by the field investigator. The data were entered on EpiData 3.1 and analysed with IBM SPSS 25.The INH adherence was assessed in a total of 86 household child TB contacts. IPT had been initiated in 62 (72.1%) child TB contacts of which 61 (98.4%) received INH within 1 month of starting of ATT-DOTS therapy in the index TB patient of the household. Furthermore, the failure to initiate IPT was reported by 24 (27.9%) child TB contacts. Within the cohort of child TB contacts who were not initiated with IPT, the ATT-DOTS duration in the index-TB patient was ≥5 months in 18 (75%) cases, 1–2 months in 3 (12.5%) cases, and <1 month in also 3 (12.5%) cases. Reasons for non-initiation (n = 24) were reported as refusal by the family in 12 (50%) cases mostly due to concern over side-effects of the drug, while non-provision of the drug by the DOTS provider was also observed in 12 (50%) cases.The mean (SD) INH adherence in the INH initiated cohort was 5.6 (2.0) (n = 62). Reasons for INH non-adherence were attributed to forgetfulness (n = 23, 37.1%), carelessness (n = 24, 38.7%), and intermittent stopping of the medication (n = 17, 27.4%) on the child falling sick, perceived drug side effects, and running out of drug stocks.INH non-adherence defined as at-least two missed INH doses in the previous 7 days was observed in 47 (54.7%) participants (n = 86). On bivariate analysis, none of the household sociodemographic characteristics showed any statistically significant association with the rate of INH non-adherence in the child TB contacts.The findings of the present study indicate the need to periodically assess adherence and persistence to IPT in the child TB contacts as high intermittent missed dosing rates can undermine the effectiveness of IPT in preventing incident disease.

Dynamics of Ecotourism Benefits Distribution

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the dynamics of ecotourism benefits distribution at Boabeng, which is found within the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) in Ghana. Data collection instruments included schedules, in-depth interview (IDI) and focus group discussion (FGD) guides. Findings from the study showed that there was disparity in the distribution of ecotourism benefits to the local households at Boabeng. Adverse impacts of ecotourism are making it difficult for households whose livelihood activities are located in the fringes of BFMS to engage in normal activities. The study has brought to the fore the complete personified livelihood experience within the individual households and ecotourism livelihoods in the Boabeng community. Again, this study argues that there is no significant relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of households and the distribution of ecotourism benefits. The study recommends that managers of the project in the community should consider the provision of social amenities using revenue from the project.

What Determines the Demand for Redistribution and What Can We Expect from the Nearby Future: Empirical Evidence for Spain

ObjectiveIn this article, we seek to determine the main explanatory factors of individual preferences for redistribution in Spain.MethodsWe use data from the World Values Survey capturing economic factors, political preferences, personal beliefs, and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsThe results, obtained using both OLS and ordered logit regressions, reveal that factors regarding relative household income, personal beliefs, sociodemographic characteristics, and regional differences are the main determinants of the demand for redistribution.ConclusionThese results, coupled with long‐standing trends that the Spanish society has been experiencing for decades, suggest that there may be an increase in the demand for redistribution in the coming years.

Urban household food waste: drivers and practices in Toronto, Canada

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand determinants of food waste through analysing patterns of practices including shopping, planning, consumption of leftovers and attitudes around best-before dates.Design/methodology/approachA survey and waste composition analysis of 142 households was conducted in the City of Toronto. Bivariate analyses and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using a structural equation model were used to identify relationships between per capita food waste, household socio-demographic characteristics and household food practices.FindingsConstructs related to planning practices and best-before date practices were identified through the CFA. Household size and the best-before construct were negatively correlated with per capita food waste. The planning construct had no correlation, which may be attributed to the influence of the retail environment in encouraging unplanned purchases. The best-before construct was significantly correlated with the presence of children in the home, an indicator of the compromises that parents make in domestic provisioning to ensure healthy foods for their children, such as more caution in handling items after their best-before dates.Originality/valueThis is the first study of its kind that uses directly measured per capita food waste from a waste composition study in a structural equation model with a construct related to best-before dates to determine drivers of food waste. It is also the first to find that children in the home can have an indirect influence on food waste through the household's best-before practices.

Food Expenditure and Food Consumption before and during Ramadan in Moroccan Households

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is a religious, cultural, and social ritual for Muslims. The benefits it is supposed to provide to people who practice it are often impaired by unhealthy lifestyles including diet. The present research aimed to study risky eating behaviors and the variation in food expenditure of the Moroccan population during Ramadan. This study was conducted in 2018 in 340 households in urban and rural localities in the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region of Morocco. Information on eating habits was collected by a nutritional survey using the method of dietary history; household food expenditure and sociodemographic characteristics were collected by a questionnaire. The average age of the population is 40 ± 14 years; the majority (40%) has a middle standard of living, and the average food expenditure increased by 50% during Ramadan. The food survey showed a significant increase in energy intake (p < 0.001), carbohydrate intake (p < 0.001), sucrose intake (p=0.02), sodium intake (p < 0.001), and calcium intake (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in protein intake (p < 0.001) and lipid intake (p < 0.001), with no significant change in saturated fatty acid intake (p=0.86) during Ramadan. These results show that some dietary behaviors adopted during Ramadan could promote the development or worsening of overweight and chronic diseases. These data reveal the importance of nutritional education adapted to this sacred month.

The Pathway Study: Commonalities Across New Food Bank Users in Rural, Suburban and Urban Areas

Abstract Background Few studies investigate long-term effects of food donation programs on food insecurity, diet, social integration or health. We describe household food insecurity (HFI), health, social integration and sociodemographic characteristics of 1003 new food banks users in rural, suburban and urban areas in Quebec, Canada. Methods Adults requesting food aid for the first time in the past 6 months were recruited in 117 food aid organizations (32 in rural, 35 in suburban, 50 in urban areas) using a nested sampling technique. Baseline data were collected from Sept 2018 to Jan 2020 in computer-assisted face-to-face interviews. Participants will be followed biennially. HFI was assessed with the 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module. Perceived physical and mental health scores were assessed with the SF12V2 module. Psychological distress and social integration were assessed with the Kessler scale K6+ and a modified version of MSPSS Scale. Differences across groups were tested with Chi square, ANOVA and post-hoc tests. Results Most participants reported high levels of materiel deprivation, with some variability across settings. Severe HFI was more prevalent in rural (51%) and urban (47%) areas than in suburbs (38%). More urban participants reported &amp;lt;20000 CAN$/yr (79% vs 74% in suburbs and 69% in rural) although low education level was more prevalent in rural areas (82% reported &amp;lt;12th grade education vs. 67% in suburban and 64% in urban areas). Psychological distress was higher in the suburbs (28%) compared to urban (21%) or rural areas (22%). No differences were detected across settings in social integration or physical or mental health scores. Conclusions New users of food banks report markedly high levels of material, social and health-related deprivation. In-depth analyses will permit more meaningful interpretation of these differences. The Pathways Study will permit better understanding of the life experience of persons requesting food assistance. Key messages People demanding food aid for the first time reported high levels of materiel deprivation, with some variability across settings. Severe housefold insecurity is around 50% among new food aid demanders in rural and urban settings.

Child mouthing of soil and presence of animals in child sleeping spaces are associated with growth faltering among young children in Dhaka, Bangladesh (CHoBI7 Program)

The objective of the study was to investigate potential risk factors for growth faltering among children under 5years of age. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 553 children under 5 years from diarrhoea patient households in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh. Height and weight measurements were obtained at baseline and at a 12-month follow-up. Caregivers of young children were administered a monthly questionnaire on household sociodemographic characteristics and hygiene practices. Children with caregiver reports of mouthing soil at the majority of household visits had a significant reduction in their height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) from baseline to the 12-month follow-up (ΔHAZ: -0.28 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.51, -0.05)). A significant reduction in HAZ was also observed for children in households with animals in their sleeping space (ΔHAZ: -0.37 (95% CI: -0.71, -0.04)). These findings provide further evidence to support the hypothesis that child mouthing of soil and the presence of animals in the child's sleeping space are potential risk factors for growth faltering among young children. Interventions are urgently needed to provide clean play and sleeping spaces for young children to reduce exposure to faecal pathogens through child mouthing.

Associations Between Household Livestock Ownership and Anemia in Children 6 to 59 Months Old in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Abstract Objectives We aimed to assess the relationship between household livestock ownership and childhood anemia in Ghana and examine whether animal-source food (ASF) consumption or illness mediates this association. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 470 children aged 6 to 59 months in two districts of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. We measured hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, iron status biomarkers (serum ferritin and serum transferrin receptor), and inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and α-1-acid glycoprotein). Mothers were asked about the child's consumption of ASF in the past 3 months and symptoms of illness in the past 7 days. Household livestock ownership was defined as owning no livestock, some poultry, many poultry, small livestock and poultry, or cattle, small livestock and poultry. Results Overall, 47.9% of children were anemic (Hb &amp;lt; 11.0 g/dL), and of these, 40.0% had iron deficiency based on low serum ferritin and 39.6% had elevated levels of inflammation. Children from households with cattle had lower odds of anemia (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.88) compared to households with no livestock, adjusting for child and household sociodemographic characteristics. Among children 24–59 months old from households with both small livestock and poultry there were lower odds of anemia (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.95). Although poultry meat and cow milk consumption were higher among poultry- and cattle-owning households, respectively, we did not find that consumption of these foods mediated the association between livestock ownership and either anemia or iron deficiency. Furthermore, less than one-quarter of children consumed meat and eggs that were sourced from their household's own animals. There were no associations between livestock ownership and illness symptoms or inflammation. Conclusions Children living in households that owned small or large ruminants with poultry were less likely to be anemic, but this association was not mediated through higher consumption of ASF. Our study suggests that livestock may be beneficial in this Ghanaian context, but the pathways through which livestock impacts child anemia require further investigation. Funding Sources University of Michigan (U-M) International Institute, U-M Office of Global Public Health, U-M African Studies Center, U-M Rackham Graduate School, U-M Nutritional Sciences Department.

Impact of domestic smokes on the prevalence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) among under-five children: Evidence from India

BackgroundAcute respiratory infection (ARI) is one of the major causes of childhood morbidity which leads to mortality as well. AimThe study aimed to estimate the effect of household cooking fuels and smoking habits on the prevalence of ARI among under-five children over India. MethodsThis study employs nationally representative data National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4: 2015–2016) which was gathered and arranged by International Institute for Population Science, Mumbai as the Nodal Agency under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Government of India. The χ2 test implemented to assess the difference by the prevalence of ARI against the use of household cooking fuels, smoking habits and socio-demographic characteristics. Then binary logistic regression models were incorporated to look at the crude and net impact of cooking fuels used in households on childhood ARI. Result & FindingsARI was mostly affective for those children who were from those households where biomasses were the main source of cooking fuels and significantly the prevalence of ARI was related to the combustion of biomass fuels for cooking (p < 0.0005). The smoking habits (OR = 1.42, CI: 1.18–1.70) and use of biomass cooking fuels (OR = 1.03, CI: 0.86–1.08) significantly predicted the higher probability of ARI prevalence among children. Therefore children should be kept away from the kitchen during cooking and the kitchen room should have sufficient open space to evacuate the pollutants easily.

Assessing food and nutrition security in Nepal: evidence from diet diversity and food expenditure patterns

The widespread prevalence of nutrient deficiency and poor nutritional outcomes has been a significant concern in developing and emerging countries like Nepal. The level of diversity in household diets is an indirect measure of diet quality and the extent to which nutritional needs of households are being met. However, there is a limited understanding on the trends, patterns and determinants of the dietary diversity in Nepal. This study is an attempt to enrich the literature on this issue. Based on unit level data from three rounds (1995, 2004, and 2011) of the Nepal Living Standard Survey (NLSS), we used multilevel modeling, quantile regression, and the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method to decipher the trends, determinants and drivers of dietary diversity in Nepal. Our study finds that the changes in household socio-demographic and agricultural characteristics are very important in explaining the improvement in dietary quality. Changes in household characteristics account for at least 37% of the observed improvement and agriculture-related changes explain at least 16% of the observed improvement. Our findings are highly robust across the different model specifications and concludes by bringing a focus on multi-sectoral approach to tackle nutrition issues in Nepal.

Personal and societal impacts of motorcycle ban policy on motorcyclists’ home-to-work morning commute in China

This study investigates the personal and societal impacts of motorcycle ban policy on the home-to-work morning commute of motorcyclists using self-reported travel behavioral data and stated travel mode shift response under such policy collected in Foshan City, China. The policy aims to force all motorcyclists in the city to shift to walk, bike, bus, or car mode by 2020. The complex impacts of the policy on travel mode shifts are studied across population sub-groups defined by gender and residential status (migrants and residents). For model estimation, random parameters multinomial logit models with heterogeneity in parameter means and variances were estimated to better track unobserved heterogeneity compared to their counterpart models with fixed means and variances. Model estimation results show that contributing factors of travel mode shift response include individual and household sociodemographic characteristics, travel-related behaviors, and residential location factors. In addition, out-of-pocket cost, opportunity cost of travel time, emissions, and energy consumption before and after motorcyclists would make their travel mode shifts and safety-related impacts were quantified and compared across the population sub-groups. The results show that motorcyclists, on average, would experience significant increases in their out-of-pocket cost and opportunity cost of travel time, particularly for male migrant motorcyclists. These results suggest that policy and infrastructural support for using public transit, walk, and bike modes, household mobility, and plan to purchase a car were likely to affect the personal and societal impacts of the motorcycle ban policy on travel mode shifts.

High MERS-CoV seropositivity associated with camel herd profile, husbandry practices and household socio-demographic characteristics in Northern Kenya.

Despite high exposure to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the predictors for seropositivity in the context of husbandry practices for camels in Eastern Africa are not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to describe the camel herd profile and determine the factors associated with MERS-CoV seropositivity in Northern Kenya. We enrolled 29 camel-owning households and administered questionnaires to collect herd and household data. Serum samples collected from 493 randomly selected camels were tested for anti-MERS-CoV antibodies using a microneutralisation assay, and regression analysis used to correlate herd and household characteristics with camel seropositivity. Households reared camels (median = 23 camels and IQR 16-56), and at least one other livestock species in two distinct herds; a home herd kept near homesteads, and a range/fora herd that resided far from the homestead. The overall MERS-CoV IgG seropositivity was 76.3%, with no statistically significant difference between home and fora herds. Significant predictors for seropositivity (P ⩽ 0.05) included camels 6-10 years old (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0-5.2), herds with ⩾25 camels (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.4) and camels from Gabra community (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.2). These results suggest high levels of virus transmission among camels, with potential for human infection.

Prevalence of Undernutrition and Anemia among Santal Adivasi Children, Birbhum District, West Bengal, India.

India’s Adivasi scheduled tribe population is disproportionately affected by undernutrition and anemia, thereby prevailing in the poorest wealth deciles denominated as socially and economically vulnerable. This study was designed to assess the extent of child undernutrition (conventional and composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) classification), as well as the burden of anemia in children and its independent nutrition specific and sensitive drivers, moreover to reflect the living conditions of Santal Adivasis. The research survey was conducted in 21 Santal villages, Birbhum District, West Bengal, in 2015. An overall 307 children (aged 6–39 months) and their mothers (n = 288) were assessed for their hemoglobin (Hb) levels (HemoCue Hb201+) and anthropometric indices such as height/length, weight and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Moreover, socio-demographic household characteristics were surveyed. The study confirmed Adivasi children lagging behind national average with a high prevalence of undernutrition (height-for-age z-score (HAZ) 51.9%, weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) 49.2%, weight-for-height z-score WHZ 19.0% and CIAF 61.6%) and of moderate and severe anemia (Hb < 10 g/dL, 73.3% altogether). Child’s age <24 months, low WAZ scores, morbidity (any fever, diarrhea or respiratory infection) on the checkup day or during previous week, low maternal Hb level, and lack of dietary diversification were identified as predictors for anemia, thereby warrant targeted interventions to decrease the high anemia rates assessed in the study site.

Water Safety Practices and Occurrence of Diarrhea Among Children Under Five in Different Households of Njemp Community, Baringo County, Kenya

Water safety and quality is a key component in public health. Despite substantial progress made during the last decades, 11% of the global population are still not accessing adequate clean water and only 64% are able to access improved sanitation. Household water treatment methods, such as boiling or chlorination, have long been recommended in developing countries. Diarrhea diseases cause major public health problem in children under-five years of age, in addition, Water safety practices has been shown to affect health status. More research has focused on information about water safety practices at household level with minimal information on the relationship between water safety practices and occurrence of diarrhea among children below 5 years. This study was carried out to outline the occurrence of childhood diarrhea in relation to water safety practices. The study adopted a cross-sectional study design. This was among Njemp community in Baringo County, Kenya. Assessed was the household socio-demographic characteristics, sources of water, methods of domestic water treatment and the prevalence of diarrhea. Four hundred and twenty-two (422) households were targeted. However, data is reported for 401 households. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire also the laboratory water analysis from different sources and treatment methods was done to determine the level of E. coli . Analysis was carried out using SPSS software. Chi-square was used for categorical variables while Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for non-categorical variables to show the association between water safety practices and occurrence of diarrhea. Results show that majority of mothers (50.6%) were of age 26 – 35 years and married (78.3%). There was no significant difference in the mother’s various ages. The study also notes that most of the respondents (46.9%) had education up to primary level. Findings from household income indicates that majority of households earned less than Ksh. 10,000. River was the main source of water (50.6%). A few (31.2% and 18.2%) used borehole and rainwater respectively. The study found that river was the most contaminated source of water (50 MPN/100 mL) which was unsafe for human consumption according to WHO classification. On water treatment, majority (37.2%) used Moringa oleifera seeds for water treatment which acts as a natural absorbent and antimicrobial agent. 20.9% did not treat their water. The prevalence of diarrheal was 57.6%. There was a significant relationship between the water safety practices and occurrence of diarrhea. This study concludes that water safety practices of the Njemp community was low and as thus led to increased occurrence of diarrhea. This study recommends to the County Government of Baringo to come up with a centralized water treatment plant or dig boreholes and supply water to the people in Baringo County. Keywords: Water Safety, Diarrhea, children under 5 years DOI : 10.7176/FSQM/92-06 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

Iron deficiency and anemia in adolescent girls consuming predominantly plant-based diets in rural Ethiopia

Rapid physical growth and the onset of menstruation during adolescence can increase the risk of iron deficiency (ID) and related adverse effects. However, little is known about the risk of anemia and ID among adolescent girls in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of ID, low iron stores, and anemia and characterize selected risk factors in Huruta, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant adolescent girls (15–19 years of age; n = 257). Data on household socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS) were collected. Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and α−1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations were measured. Diets were predominantly plant-based, with a low consumption of animal source foods, fruits, and dark-green leafy vegetables. Only 4% of the adolescent girls had adequate dietary diversity (WDDS ≥5), and 35% were underweight. The prevalence of anemia (Hb <11 g/dL, 8.7%) and clinical ID (SF <15 µg/L, 8.7%) was low, but 41% had marginal iron stores (SF <50 µg/L). The low prevalence of ID, despite a predominantly plant-based diet is atypical and calls for adapted strategies to address low iron stores in this and other similar settings of Ethiopia.

Intertemporal evaluation of household food security and its determinants: evidence from Rwanda

The food security literature has reiterated the importance of having an indicator that simultaneously captures the different dimensions of the food security definition. In this regard, this study builds on previous studies using a harmonized food security indicator within a relatively high frequency panel data from Rwanda to examine the dynamics of household food security. Summary statistics show the transitory nature of food security where households go either from complete state of food insecurity to being partially food insecure or from being partially food insecure to being completely food secure during the harvesting seasons and later fall back to their initial state during the sowing and growing seasons. This underscores the intertemporal dimension and transitory nature of food security over time. We also employed a correlated random effects multinomial logit model to further identify the determinants of households being in any of the identified states of food security. Results suggest that agricultural seasons of major food crops do determine households’ state of food security. Also, household socio-demographic characteristics, household assets, income diversification, and location of the household dwelling are some of the consistent factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of the household being food insecure.

The struggle for water in Indonesia: the role of women and children as household water fetcher

AbstractGlobally, billions of people are still without access to safe water. Every day they need to travel far to fetch water, and most of them are women. The gender and water fetching issue in Indonesia is under-researched. Hence, this article addresses the spatial, environmental, and socio-demographic correlates of women or children as the household water fetcher in Indonesia. Using data from the 2013 Baseline Health Research (Riskesdas) from the Ministry of Health, we fitted a multivariable multinomial logit regression model (MNLM) to examine the relationship between women and children as water fetcher and spatial, environmental, and socio-demographic characteristics of households. We found that two in five households delegate women household members to carry water. Moreover, women and children are more likely to take the role of water fetcher in rural and less affluent households. Furthermore, the time required to collect water is significantly associated with women as water fetcher in the household. The longer the duration it takes to collect the water, the less likely women, as opposed to men, are the primary water collector in the household. These findings can be used to inform policymaking in Indonesia.

Analysis of off-farm work decisions among smallholder farm households in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACTThis article investigates off-farm work decisions by smallholder farm households. Using data on 1,101 households from Burkina Faso, it demonstrates that in addition to the usual household socio-demographic characteristics, remittances, access to information and beneficiary of specific training affect off-farm work decisions, as well as rainfall factors and idiosyncratic health shocks. Community characteristics such as accessibility and number of inhabitants are also key factors. While suggesting that off-farm work is less likely to be undertaken for accumulation purposes, these results have important policy implications. In particular, policy measures should consider each segment as a separate entity.