Food insecurity coping strategies among households with average dietary diversity and caloric intake scores in rural Uganda

This study assessed the livelihood education pro­grams (LEPs) of the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. The center is based at Iowa State University (ISU) and operate in Uganda through the ISU Uganda Program, with the goal of ending hunger in Uganda. We used mixed methods, using surveys and focus groups. The surveys assessed dietary and caloric intake statuses and food access pathways with 454 households (316 LEP partici­pants and 138 nonparticipants). Twelve focus groups conducted with 125 LEP clients explored dietary changes and coping strategies during food scarcity. Overall, 44.1% households had good diets, and 42.5% had acceptable caloric intake. LEP par­ticipants were associated with good diets and acceptable caloric intake compared to nonpartici­pants. Specifically, participation in livestock pro­grams was associated with good diets, and agronomy, postharvest, livestock, and nutrition programs were associated with acceptable caloric intake. Foodstuffs were mainly accessed through home (farmgate) production, especially protein and energy foods, and market purchases for animal-source foods and vegetables. Focus groups identi­fied shifts in consumption from fresh to dried foods like sweet potatoes and cassava flour during scar­city. Consumption of animal-source proteins was low, and foods like meat and fish went off the menu during scarcity periods. Mothers selling their labor in exchange for food or cash, reliance on husbands, use of food reserves, and livestock sales were the main food insecurity coping strategies. Others included profits from small businesses, bor­rowing, friends, and fruit gathering. These results imply the benefit of participating in LEPs. Efforts to develop postharvest programs for starchy food, in addition to monitoring the adoption of storage practices, will benefit households.