Journal of Food Security

This paper examines issues and options of food security and poverty in Mizoram, northeast India. The area, we have studied suffers from acute food insecurity and chronic poverty as about 33% people live below poverty line and 17% people live under chronic poverty. Rice is the main food staple with limited availability. Agriculture dominates in economic practices as about 80% people depend on practicing agriculture to carry their livelihoods. Moreover, shifting cultivation characterises agriculture as about 50% people practice it. It is carried out in the fragile hilly slopes mainly in the forest areas with low yield. Although, forest products and livestock farming constitute agriculture in a greater scale yet, their contribution in food security is inadequate. We studied 16 villages from eight districts of Mizoram (two villages from each districts). A survey of 1527 households (76% of the total households) was conducted through random sampling methods and structured questionnaire on agriculture, occupation, income, food security and poverty was framed Further, participatory approach was adapted after rapid field visits of the studied villages. Correlation, regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. We observed that poverty and malnutrition in the study area is high in comparison to the state and national level. The study suggests that livelihood options are required to be enhanced and diversified for poverty reduction and attainment of food security. At government level, public distribution system for proper food supply should be made regular and most responsible.

Journal of Food Security. 2015, 3(4), 107-114. DOI: 10.12691/jfs-3-4-3
Pub. Date: November 24, 2015

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Resources Enabled to Assist the Community and Hunger (REACH): A Community Food Security Needs Assessment

by Kelly Brasseur, Amy D. Ozier, Rachel McBride, Alicia Powell, Ellen Ratliff, Ping Yao, Calvin Min Hua Leong and Josephine Umoren

Original Research

Food security is an indicator of a town’s vitality. Northern Illinois Food Bank, Northern Illinois University, and the rural town of of Rochelle, saw a need to identify what the current food security status was to help bridge gaps for the underserved. The purpose of this community food security needs assessment was to determine (1) the perceptions of food security, (2) awareness of existing resources available to the underserved, (3) how well these resources were able to serve those in need, and (4) if there was a need to strengthen current resources. Additionally, perceived barriers to food security related to the accessibility, availability, and affordability of food were also addressed. This mixed-methods design used focus groups and surveys. Key stakeholders, gatekeepers, and community residents were targeted for various sampling methods. The focus group data was analyzed using Krueger’s Methodology. Survey data used descriptive statistics to summarize demographic variables. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test the internal consistency of self-efficacy items, and crosstab analysis by Pearson’s chi-square test examined associations among categorical variables. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test the association between perception of barriers and motivators and age, gender, education level, employment status and number of children in household. Multiple linear regression was used to detect associations between risk factors and self-efficacy. Life skills are a necessity to this community in overcoming food insecurity. Self-efficacy was compromised related to eating healthier; however, there was an evident desire to receive nutrition education. Community members would like to see more programs and services offered in addition to food assistance programs, such as job and life skills training, and perhaps all located in the same place that is easily accessible for community members. Implications for future research and community collaborations derived from this community-based participatory research process are discussed.

Journal of Food Security. 2015, 3(4), 99-106. DOI: 10.12691/jfs-3-4-2
Pub. Date: November 11, 2015

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Factors Affecting Migrants’ Food Security in Tasmania: A Mixed Methods Study

by Joanne Sin Wei Yeoh, Quynh Le and Rosa McManamey

Original Research

Background: For migrants experiencing a new cultural environment access to available and affordable food is vital. Factors such as geographical isolation, income and language influence migrants’ experiences of and views about food security. Methods: A mixed methods study (questionnaires and follow-up interviews) examined the factors affecting the food security of migrants living in a regional area of Australia. The data was analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Results/discussions: The cultural background of the migrant is an important influence on food security. The study found statistically significant associations between the migrants’ region of origin and their views on aspects of food security. Seven factors were identified that influenced migrants’ food security: (1) cultural background; (2) language; (3) educational background; (4) geographical isolation; (5) income; (6) length of stay in Tasmania; and (7) household size. Conclusion: Factors affecting migrants’ food security are strongly shaped by the socio-demographic background of the migrants.

Journal of Food Security. 2015, 3(4), 94-98. DOI: 10.12691/jfs-3-4-1
Pub. Date: October 28, 2015

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