What factors determine household food security among smallholder farmers? Insights from Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ABSTRACT

Food insecurity persists in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Guidelines are required to inform the formulation of programmes dealing with this challenge. Literature identifies various factors, such as agricultural skills, as key determinants of household food security. This study examines linkages between agricultural skills and household food security in farming households of the Tugela Ferry irrigation scheme in the Msinga Local Municipality. Data was collected from a random sample of 250 farming households by means of a structured questionnaire. A Tobit regression model was employed to examine the determinants of household food security. The study found that factors like household size, marital status, education level, gender, total livestock units, household income, farming experience, credit use and competence levels in fertiliser measurement have the potential to reduce household food insecurity. The study concludes that provision of agricultural skills may improve households’ food security and that interventions may improve smallholder farming productivity.

KEYWORDS:

• Tobit regression
• household
• food security
• agricultural skills
• South Africa
• smallholder farmer

Acknowledgement

This study was part of a project initiated, managed and funded by the Water Research Commission (WRC) (K5/2176) entitled, “Empowerment of women in rural areas through water use security and agricultural skills training for gender equity and poverty reduction in KwaZulu-Natal and North West Province”.