The role of women in household food security in Morogoro rural and Kilosa districts

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the role of women in in security food household Kilosa and rural Morogoro districts. The study was conducted in six villages namely: Fulwe, Msufini, Melela, Kimamba, Kidoma It Dumila. and (24 2 women and 242 men) . involved 484 respondents; Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Field questionnaires. statistics, Descriptive the supplemented data secondary and observations and chi-square multiple regression were used in the analysis. The results inadequate 1996/97, «v showed in mainly 63% due Household that: of the households inadequate to food in security was 1995/96 and (77.6%) , production early sale of produce (17.2%) and storage losses (6.2%). Males and females in the study area shared the same tasks on more or less equal basis, production and both in food and cash crop generating income activities. Women dominated in all activities of food crop production with the exception of site clearing (3.3%) transporting (42.2%) and marketing of crops (47.2%) . Performance of household activities was dominated by females. analysis indicated that the Multiple regression contribution of women in household food securitywas quite outstanding. Their labour in processing (B = 2.964905), planting (B = 2.785432),weeding 1.764507) (B and harvesting positively with the associated total 0.181580) (B production and so were quantity of fertilizer application (B = 0.472789) and education (B = 0.147557). Lack of access to capital/income (49.6%), drought . (18.8%), (12.0%), decision making power access to time agricultural knowledge (1.2%) (8.2%), and limited women contribution to household food security. Lack of access to land (5.4%) was specifically important in Kimamba village (42.9%). Reduction of meal frequency and of amount of food consumed (19.8%) , casual labour (18.2%), petty business (17.8%) and buying of food (9.9%) were the dominant coping strategies during food shortages. From the study the following recommendations are offered: There is need to improve women decision making power and accessibility to resources. For improvement of food security production of Households need to be encouraged to various foodstuffs in need the study to be area, increased. stock enough crops after harvesting and early sale of food crops should be discouraged.There is a need to improve storage Communal methods. granary could serve during the food shortages provided the pest problem is avoided. Women should be encouraged to engage in income generating activities. Extension services to these women farmers need to be improved, reliable and timely. Barter system between harvests and acquiring agricultural inputs need encouragement. This study, identifies several possible research areas. It is therefore more focused food storage, recommended studies sale of in that further connection food crops research with local and income include brewing, generating activities with special emphasis on women who are the key actors.