Determinants of food security status among young farmers with and without disabilities

David Agole; Mark A. Brennan; Connie D. Baggett; John C. Ewing; Amanda Crump; Cosmas Wacal

doi:10.37433/aad.v6i2.567

Authors

David Agole Mountains of The Moon University, Uganda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1297-983X
Mark A. Brennan Pennsylvania State University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8434-3948
Connie D. Baggett Pennsylvania State University, USA
John C. Ewing Pennsylvania State University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9189-1106
Amanda Crump University of California, Davis, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9710-2956
Cosmas Wacal Mountains of The Moon University, Uganda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v6i2.567

Keywords:

agricultural extension, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, participation, policy, Uganda

Abstract

Food is a basic need; thus, food security status is key to well-being of young farmers. This study examined factors that influence food security status of young farmers with and without disabilities in Uganda. Specifically, the study examined the influence of disability status, region of location, gender, social exclusion, participation in agricultural programs, and social capital on food security of young farmers. The study utilized a comparative and cross-sectional research designs that involved 774 young farmers; 388 with disabilities and 386 who had no disabilities. The sample selection involved the use of stratified, random, and criterion purposive sampling. This research utilized an interviewer-administered paper survey in collecting data. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used in analysing data. The findings indicated disability as a factor of social exclusion as the most curtailing to food security, especially in Eastern Uganda. Participation in training programs and social capital development were most likely to increase food security status of young farmers. Therefore, disability-inclusive provision of agricultural extension services targeting young farmers, disability-inclusive awareness raising, and effective implementation of existing disability policies could create an enabling environment to make young farmers food secure.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adeyanju, D., Mburu, J., Gituro, W., Chumo, C., Mignouna, D., Ogunniyi, A., Akomolafe, J. K., & Ejima, J. (2023). Assessing food security among young farmers in Africa: Evidence from Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. Agricultural and Food Economics, 11(4), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40100-023-00246-x.

African Youth Commission. (2006). African Youth Charter. https://www.youthpolicy.org/uploads/documents/2006_African_Youth_Charter_Eng.pdf.

Agole, D., Baggett, C. D., Brennan, M. A., Ewing, J. C., Yoder, E. P., Makoni, S. B., Beckman, M. D., Epeju, W. F. (2021). Determinants of participation of young farmers with and without disability in agricultural capacity-building programs designed for the public in Uganda. Sustainable Agriculture Research, 10(2), 74–86. https://doi.org/10.5539/sar.v10n2p74.

Agole, D., Ewing, J. C., Baggett, C. D., Wester, N. (2019). A review of theories related to inclusive-capacity building of people with disabilities. Workforce Education Forum 39(1), 52-63. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/psu/wef/2019/00000039/00000001/art00006.

Burton, L. (1993). The struggle for citizenship: The case of disabled people. Disability & Society, 8, 235–248. https://doi.org/10.1080/02674649366780251.

Eide, A. H., Nanono, N., & Omona, J. (2021). Living conditions among persons with disabilities in Uganda. Research Gate. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.11513.70242.

Global Hunger Index. (2024). Global hunger index website. https://www.globalhungerindex.org.

Ikendi, S., Owusu, F., Masinde, D., Oberhauser, A., & Bain, C. (2023). Does participation in livelihood education programs impact household food security? A comparative study in rural Uganda. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 13(1), 235–265. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2023.131.009.

Lamino, P., Millares-Forno, C., Landaverde, R., Boren-Alpízar, A. E. (2024). Rural youth migration intentions in Ecuador: The role of agricultural education programs. Advancements in Agricultural Development, 5(3), 2024. 25–38. https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v5i3.433.

Moore, R., Dada, S., Emmambux, M. N., & Samuels, A. (2021). Food and nutrition security in persons with disabilities. A scoping review. Global Food Security, 31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100581.

Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. (2015). Evidence-based policy making for youth well-being: Toolkit. https://www.youthpolicy.org/uploads/documents/2017_OECD_Policy_Making_for_Youth_Well_being_Eng.pdf.

Pigg, K. E. (1999). Community leadership and community theory: A practical synthesis. Community Development Society Journal, 30(2), 196–212. https://doi.org/10.1080/15575339909489721.

Schuler, M. T. (2022). The food is not enough: Disability and food aid technologies in a Ugandan refugee settlement. Journal of the International African Institute, 92, 449–466. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0001972022000390.

Schwartz, N., Buliung, R., & Wilson, K. (2019). Disability and food access and insecurity: A scoping review of the literature. Health & Place, 57, 107–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.03.011.

Uganda Bureau of Statistics. (2024). National population and housing census 2024: Final report. https://www.ubos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/National-Population-and-Housing-Census-2024-Final-Report-Volume-1-Main.pdf.

Wilkinson, K. (1991). The community in rural America. Greenwood Press.