The research attempted to demystify the Zimbabwean land reform that was spear headed by war veterans’ in Zimbabwe. This research investigated the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) in 2000 on Household Food Security. It was generally assumed that the programme did not improve Household Food Security. To verify that assertion the research used questionnaires in a survey research design. The questionnaires were administered to 322 household heads that had been selected by the random stratified sampling method in Mutare District. The results established that Household Food Security in Mutare District improved after the implementation of the FTLRP. The national grain storage however was depleted because the new farmers reduced the production levels set by the former white farmers. The research therefore recommends an orderly and sustainable transition of Land Reform in future programmes to enhance national grain reserves. This also further improves the Household Food Security.

Thesis(M.Sc. Agricultural Management (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Amaranthus species, with their adaptability to grow under various agro-ecologies and soil types, have gained considerable attention in food security due to their high nutritional content. However, various Amaranthus species are host to the root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes, with limited information on how the pest could affect the nutritional composition of the crop. In other crops, infestation with Meloidogyne species have deleterious effects on accumulation of certain essential mineral nutrient elements. However, the influence of Meloidogyne species on essential mineral nutrient elements had not been documented on Amaranthus. The objectives of the study, therefore, were to determine the influence of infestation by Meloidogyne species on growth and accumulation of selected malnutrition elements in four exotic Amaranthus relative to the local cultivar under both greenhouse and field conditions. In the greenhouse study, hardened-off seedlings were transplanted into 20-cm diameter plastic pots containing a steam-pasteurised growing mixture. The 5 × 2 factorial experiments were arranged in a randomised complete block design, with five replications. The first and second factors were five Amaranthus cultivars and two Meloidogyne species, namely, M. incognita and M. javanica. At 60 days after inoculation, plant growth and nematode variables were assessed using standard procedures. Roots of all five Amaranthus cultivars were heavily galled, with limited cultivar × nematode interactions on plant variables. Additionally, the common factor that influenced either plant or nutrient element variables was the cultivar type, whereas those of nematodes were highly variable, particularly on nutrient elements. Three best performing cultivars were further tested under field conditions under nematode infested and untreated control plots. An exotic cv. ′Tanzania′ had higher dry shoot mass, plant height and stem diameter, and accumulated higher Ca and K content than ′Candatus′ and ′Local 33′. Overall, the cultivar × nematode interaction reduced Na content in leaf tissues of Amaranthus cultivars under field conditions. / University of Venda, University of Limpopo and Agricultural Research Council

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South Africa is food secure at the national level; however widespread food insecurity persists at the household level. To understand the dynamics of micro-level food insecurity this dissertation investigates how two different aspects of 'food access' - diet quality and diet quantity - affect two outcomes of 'food utilisation' - hunger and nutrition. Diet quantity is captured by food expenditure in Wave 1 of the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS). To capture diet quality I use dietary diversity, which is not directly available in NIDS. I build and test a food group dietary diversity score and a food variety dietary diversity score using NIDS Wave 1. Both dietary diversity indicators are found to usefully summarise information about food security in South Africa by using methods found in the dietary diversity literature. The dissertation then turns to testing whether the theoretical differences between diet quality and quantity play out empirically in the case of nutrition (adult BMI) and hunger (self-reported household hunger). The results reveal that food variety and food quantity are complementary in explaining the chance of household hunger, with food quantity having a slightly more important effect. The pathways to BMI differ by gender. Dietary diversity and food expenditure are substitutes in the case of male BMI; however, food variety and food expenditure are complementary to explaining female BMI when food expenditure enters into the model as a quadratic. Overall, food variety proved to be a stronger and more significant correlate of both outcomes than the food group dietary diversity score.

Objective: Inuit in Canada identify food security as an Inuit-specific determinant of health. Historical and contemporary policies shape determinants of health. These policies vary among the four Inuit regions or Land Claim Areas in Canada that comprise Inuit Nunangat. This thesis focuses on one specific Inuit population, Labrador Inuit, located in Nunatsiavut, Canada, which is the southernmost Inuit Territory. Recognizing the variation and distinctness of each Inuit region, I pose the question: What is the role of policy in food security in Nunatsiavut, Labrador? To answer this question, I completed three studies. Study one is an analysis of the historical changes experienced by Labrador Inuit in governance, nutrition, and food security policies from the 1500s to 2005. In 2005, Labrador Inuit formed the first Inuit self-government in Canada, the Nunatsiavut Government. This study provides an understanding of the historical influences on the current context of Nunatsiavut and the policies that pertain to food security of Labrador Inuit. Study two is a scoping review that identifies current policies that pertain to food security and are implemented in Nunatsiavut. Finally, study three looks towards the future. In this study, policy actors were interviewed on policies that pertain to food security to understand their perspectives on current policies, including the opportunities for and barriers to improving food security in Nunatsiavut. Methods: Article one is a historical-critical narrative analysis of governance, nutrition studies and interventions and policies that pertain to food security. It uses a critical dietetics lens to examine the extrinsic causes of nutrition and food security issues that resulted from colonization, and describes the interventions implemented to address them. Each document included in this analysis was assessed by the criteria for historical research that includes provenance, purpose, context, veracity, and usefulness. Also, this study employs process tracing using an adapted timeline from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples four stages of colonization. Article two is a scoping review that follows the Joanna Briggs scoping review methodology to identify current policies that pertain to food security in Nunatsiavut. Article three is a qualitative study of key informant interviews conducted from July 2020–December 2020 with policy actors that spanned the Nunatsiavut Government (regional Inuit government), Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (provincial government), the Government of Canada (federal government), non-governmental organizations and private industry. Participants were asked about their role, policy gaps, and opportunities for improving policies that pertain to food security of Labrador Inuit in Nunatsiavut. It also included initial insights from emergency food security measures implemented during the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020. The results were reported as per the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ): 32-item checklist. Each of these studies contained a process for member checking and validating results with key informants, subject matter experts and/or Nunatsiavut Government Advisory Group members. Results: Article one describes the changes in governance, nutrition and food security of Labrador Inuit. The results show that country foods were a major contributor to overall Inuit health and protected Labrador Inuit from the nutrient deficiencies experienced by the Newfoundland population. However, colonialism that included settlement impacted Labrador Inuit’s relationship with the land and access to country foods. Moreover, policies such as income support and residential schools negatively impacted the food security status of Labrador Inuit. However, in 2005, when Nunatsiavut became a self-government several policies and programs were in place to address the growing awareness of a lack of food security. In Article two, scoping review results identify policies that pertain to food security for Labrador Inuit in Nunatsiavut. Results from this study show that 25 policies, spanning three levels of government, implicitly or explicitly addressed at least one dimension of food security. Accessibility was the most frequent food security dimension identified and stability was the least food security dimension identified. The Government of Canada developed 60% of the identified policies and the Nunatsiavut Government implemented 48% of identified policies. In article three, 15 key informant interviews were completed, and three participants provided written responses. Seven participants (39%) stated they developed policy, six participants (33%) stated they both developed and implemented policy, and five participants (28%) stated they implemented policy. Seven themes were identified from discussions with policy actors. Policy recommendations to improve food security included improving transportation, social policies, and policy coherence in policy implementation. Five separate themes were identified from discussions on implementing emergency food security measures during the first wave of COVID-19 in Nunatsiavut. These included inadequacies of social policies, hidden poverty among people living in Nunatsiavut, and future considerations for post-COVID-19 food security policies. Conclusion: The article results within this thesis show that historical and current inequities contribute to the current lack of food security of Labrador Inuit in Nunatsiavut. These inequities have persisted over time. During COVID-19, these inequities were further highlighted, demonstrating the importance of urgent action. The results of key informant interviews show that improving food security in Nunatsiavut is a matter of health equity. Findings from this thesis can inform actions to improve existing and future policies that pertain to food security of Labrador Inuit in Nunatsiavut.

Approaches to projects and development have undergone considerable change in the last decade with significant policy shifts on governance, gender, poverty eradication, and environmental issues. Most recently this has led to the adoption and promotion of the sustainable livelihood (SL) approach. The adoption of the SL approach presents challenges to development interventions including: the future of projects and programmes, and sector wide approaches (SWAPs) and direct budgetary support. This paper `A livelihoods-grounded audit of the Magu District Livelihoods and Food Security Project¿ is the ninth in the series of project working papers. / Department for International Development

Decreased food security is a major issue which influences numerous individuals in developing countries such as South Africa. Literature suggests that although detailed information is not available about the exact amount of food insecure households in South Africa, food insecurity does exist. Multiple factors influence decreased food security and households in informal settlements often portray high risks to decreased food security due to a lack of adequate resources to ensure sustainable food security. However, to the authors‟ knowledge limited information is available regarding the specific state of household food security in informal settlements in South Africa. Information regarding the influences various factors have on food security in an informal settlement is also limited. Therefore this study aimed to explore household food security in an informal settlement including the factors that could possibly contribute to food insecurity. According to literature, the pillars of food security consist of food availability, accessibility and utilisation and can contribute to a decrease in household food security or the enhancement thereof. In addition, socio-demographical factors such as income, household size and level of education can influence household food security. Based on this information, the pillars of food security and socio-demographical aspects of a household were used as possible factors that influence food security and were included as part of the theoretical framework. Utilisation as part of the food security pillars was closely explored to determine if the knowledge and suggested implementation thereof was effective and contributing to household food security. The influence of knowledge of basic food related aspects on food security were therefore determined in this, combined with the relationships between various socio-demographics and food security. Furthermore, through these findings recommendations were made on how food security can be enhanced in the households of the identified informal settlement. A quantitative research approach was used in this study. As part of non-probability sampling interviewer administered questionnaires were presented to 103 respondents at Nutrifeeds production and distribution facility in the Viljoenskroon area. Existing questionnaires and surveys relevant to this study subject were consulted to develop the questionnaire which explored demographics, food production and knowledge of food handling, utilisation, storage practices, and food security. All questionnaires were completed and the data was analysed by Statistical Consultation Services at the North-West University, Potchefstroom, using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that the majority of respondents possessed knowledge regarding food handling practices. Knowledge of food related aspects were indicated to be implemented accordingly, by most respondents with regard to food utilisation (preparation, hygiene and storage). It was determined that the more than two thirds of the respondents and their households were at risk of food insecurity or food insecure suggesting that a need exists for food insecurity to be addressed in this informal settlement. According to the results that were obtained in this study, food insecurity in the Viljoenskroon area, Rammulotsi informal settlement can be acknowledged. Additionally, the findings enabled the researcher to make recommendations to local businesses, clinics and local authorities regarding the enhancement of household food security in the area. The recommendations include the enhancement of knowledge regarding food related aspects, food production opportunities, food access and utilisation in the community as a means to improve the status of household food security in this informal settlement. / M Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Decreased food security is a major issue which influences numerous individuals in developing countries such as South Africa. Literature suggests that although detailed information is not available about the exact amount of food insecure households in South Africa, food insecurity does exist. Multiple factors influence decreased food security and households in informal settlements often portray high risks to decreased food security due to a lack of adequate resources to ensure sustainable food security. However, to the authors‟ knowledge limited information is available regarding the specific state of household food security in informal settlements in South Africa. Information regarding the influences various factors have on food security in an informal settlement is also limited. Therefore this study aimed to explore household food security in an informal settlement including the factors that could possibly contribute to food insecurity. According to literature, the pillars of food security consist of food availability, accessibility and utilisation and can contribute to a decrease in household food security or the enhancement thereof. In addition, socio-demographical factors such as income, household size and level of education can influence household food security. Based on this information, the pillars of food security and socio-demographical aspects of a household were used as possible factors that influence food security and were included as part of the theoretical framework. Utilisation as part of the food security pillars was closely explored to determine if the knowledge and suggested implementation thereof was effective and contributing to household food security. The influence of knowledge of basic food related aspects on food security were therefore determined in this, combined with the relationships between various socio-demographics and food security. Furthermore, through these findings recommendations were made on how food security can be enhanced in the households of the identified informal settlement. A quantitative research approach was used in this study. As part of non-probability sampling interviewer administered questionnaires were presented to 103 respondents at Nutrifeeds production and distribution facility in the Viljoenskroon area. Existing questionnaires and surveys relevant to this study subject were consulted to develop the questionnaire which explored demographics, food production and knowledge of food handling, utilisation, storage practices, and food security. All questionnaires were completed and the data was analysed by Statistical Consultation Services at the North-West University, Potchefstroom, using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that the majority of respondents possessed knowledge regarding food handling practices. Knowledge of food related aspects were indicated to be implemented accordingly, by most respondents with regard to food utilisation (preparation, hygiene and storage). It was determined that the more than two thirds of the respondents and their households were at risk of food insecurity or food insecure suggesting that a need exists for food insecurity to be addressed in this informal settlement. According to the results that were obtained in this study, food insecurity in the Viljoenskroon area, Rammulotsi informal settlement can be acknowledged. Additionally, the findings enabled the researcher to make recommendations to local businesses, clinics and local authorities regarding the enhancement of household food security in the area. The recommendations include the enhancement of knowledge regarding food related aspects, food production opportunities, food access and utilisation in the community as a means to improve the status of household food security in this informal settlement. / M Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Nigeria, like many African countries is caught up in the uncertainty of the effectiveness of agricultural intervention in achieving food security, poverty reduction and improved quality of life. This ambiguity is more pronounced especially in rural areas where majority of the poor and those involved in agriculture reside. Indeed, issues relating to resource utilization and productivity in the agricultural sector and how they affect livelihoods and food security of smallholder households remain underexplored. The study examines the contribution of small-scale irrigation agriculture towards ensuring food security and poverty alleviation among smallholder households. It assesses the productivity, food security and livelihoods status of smallholder households in the Middle Rima Valley Irrigation Project, North West Nigeria, the relationship that exist between the phenomena, as well as factors influencing them. It also explores smallholder households’ differentials on the basis of their efficiency, food security and income status, and what other factors determine the smallholder typologies. The research was situated within three bodies of theoretical work; political ecology, political economy of food and agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods. This was done with a view to providing a nuanced understanding of both the micro and macro processes and factors influencing agricultural production, food security and livelihoods of smallholder households. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods research design was adopted for the study. This involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods of research to drive the research agenda. Systematic random sampling technique was used to collect data for the quantitative aspect and purposive sampling was used to select participants for semi-structured interviews for the qualitative research. A total of 370 questionnaires were administered but 306 questionnaires were successfully completed and returned, representing an 83% response rate. Also eight respondents were interviewed for the study. While thematic content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, quantitative data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Magister Artium - MA / This study is situated in the context of multidisciplinary discourse on the pervasive problem of food insecurity in the southern African context. More specifically, it is situated in the context of the Centre of Excellence in Food Security, located at the University of the Western Cape and its project on “Food Ethics and Values” (with Prof Ernst Conradie as principal investigator). It will contribute to discourse on food security from the perspective of the discipline of religious studies and more specifically African Traditional Religion (ATR) and the indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) associated with that. The consumption of food naturally plays a significant role in African Traditional Religion – as is evident from various taboos on food consumption, rituals with prescriptions on food, calendar-based festivities, but also from daily life in rural villages. In reflecting on food in such rural villages, the focus is often on the consumption of meat (chicken, goats, cattle, but also rodents and other wildlife) and of grains like maize. However, vegetables traditionally also formed part of a family’s daily diet. In pre-colonial times, such vegetables were not necessarily cultivated since some indigenous vegetables were harvested based on indigenous knowledge available amongst village elders and traditional healers. The Chionekano-ward includes some 42 villages with an estimated population of around 1020 persons. Through a process of snowball sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with village elders and traditional healers who have knowledge of such indigenous vegetables. Where appropriate interviews were followed up with focus groups discussions in particular villages. This study investigated the cultural and religious connotations attached to specified indigenous vegetable types in the Chionekano-ward of the Zvishavane-district in Zimbabwe. This study has identified fifteen edible indigenous vegetables. Only eleven indigenous vegetables were among the commonly used. These were classified into three groups. Firstly, there are indigenous vegetables found in the farming lands as weeds. These are Nyovhi/ Spider plant/ Cleome gynandra, Mbuya Mbuya/ Thorny pigweed/ Amaranthus spinosus, Derere/ Wild jute/ Corchorus tridens, Tsine/ Muhlabangubo/ Black jack/ Bidens spinosa, Muchacha/ Wild gherkin/ Cucumis anguria. Secondly there were Indigenous vegetables that use leaves as by-products namely, Muboora/Pumpkin squash/ Cucurbita maxima, Munyemba/ Cowpea leaves/ Vigna unguilata. Thirdly there were commonly used Wild indigenous vegetables found in riverbanks, forests and mountains namely Chirevereve, mubvunzandadya, Fat hen/ Chenopodium album and Nhuri. There were religious and cultural connotations attached to the use of these indigenous vegetables. The study found that there are common shared beliefs on the harvesting, cooking and consumption of these vegetables. These commonly shared beliefs and predominant perceptions on the consumption of indigenous vegetables were mainly shaped by the cultural and traditional religious beliefs systems shared by all the participants. Although the study was of a descriptive nature, it advocated for the preservation of such indigenous knowledge in order to promote avenues towards food security where commercial agriculture may be unable to ensure an equitable distribution of food.