Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Global food insecurity has increased, affecting approximately 2.37 billion people, with Rwanda facing significant challenges 30% of its population is food insecure. This study employs a quantitative descriptive methodology to assess food security among farmers in Karongi, Nyabihu, and Nyamagabe districts. Participants included farmers growing food crops, cash crops, and exporting tea, all with children under five. Community Health Workers facilitated recruitment, and data were collected using a standardized questionnaire via mobile phones. Analysis was performed using SPSS v 25, applying descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis was conducted, with statistical significance set at a threshold of P < 0.05. Findings indicate that overall food security in the surveyed regions is 6.40%. Subsistence farmers show the lowest food security at 3.30%, while tea farmers exhibit most food security at 8.40%, with Irish potato farmers at 7.40%. The study highlights significant associations between household characteristics, farming practices, and food security status. The results highlight the significance of crop selection in affecting food security. Export crops like tea yield higher food security compared to cash crops and subsistence farming. Policymakers should consider these findings in food security strategies, promoting export crop cultivation to enhance food security. Additionally, understanding the interplay of crop selection, regional disparities, and economic conditions is essential for addressing food security challenges in Rwanda.
Institution: University of Rwanda
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411368396