Factors influencing food poverty in Uganda: evidence from the Uganda National Household Survey 2019/2020

Abstract

Food poverty, characterized by inadequate access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, remains a persistent challenge in Uganda. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence food poverty in Uganda using evidence from the Uganda National Household Survey(2019/2020) data set collected by the Uganda Bureau Of Statistics(UBOS).The study aims to identify and analyze the socioeconomic, and demographic factors that influence food poverty in Uganda. Analysis was done at three levels, that is, univariate analysis where frequency tables were generated for the categorical variables and descriptive statistics for the continuous variables, bivariate analysis which included the measure of association between the independent categorical variables and food poverty using Pearson’s chi - square test and multivariate analysis where complementary logistic regression was used at 5% level of significance. This study found that the significant factors that influence food poverty were, age where there was a relationship between ages 51 - 75 years and food poverty, marital status was also a factor where there was a relationship between those who were divorced , widows/widowers and food poverty. It also found that sub region is a significant factor of food poverty where there was a relationship between Busoga, Bukedi, Karamoja and Achloli sub regions and food poverty. Education level was also a factor of food poverty where there was a relationship between those who completed primary and food poverty. To address the factors contributing to food poverty in Uganda, key recommendations include promoting sustainable agricultural practices and technologies such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture to enhance productivity and resilience, improving rural infrastructure for better market access and post-harvest management, implementing climate-smart agricultural strategies to mitigate climate change impacts and implementing pro-poor policies and programs to reduce socioeconomic inequalities. By understanding and addressing the factors that affect food poverty in Uganda, policy makers, stakeholders and NGOs can make significant progress in reducing food poverty and ensuring food security for all citizens of Uganda.