Food insecurity in pastoral communities of Ngorongoro conservation area, Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Background Food insecurity increases the risks of hunger and malnutrition and remains a formidable health challenge in resource-poor settings. Pastoral communities, which are largely restricted to marginal lands, tend to experience heightened levels of food insecurity. However, empirical evidence of food insecurity for communities living on the edge of conservation areas is limited. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity in pastoral communities of Ngorongoro, Tanzania. Methods Data were collected through a household survey (n = 238), key informant interview and field observation. Food insecurity was measured through Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Data were subjected to descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and multivariate regression analysis. Results Based on three HFIAS domains, the surveyed communities experience anxiety and uncertainty about food supply (77.3% of the households), insufficient quality in terms of variety and preferences (74.1%), and insufficient food intake (55.9%). Overall, more than half (55%) of the households are food insecure. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics show that household food insecurity is independent of socio-demographic factors. Culture, environmental factors, and production system determine food access, food consumption practices, and overall household food security. The odds of food insecurity are higher in households whose location to the market exceeds 5 km [AOR (95% CI) = 6.20 (1.66–9.09)] and those reporting limited access to water [AOR (95% CI) = 1.09 (0.17–6.43]. A similar pattern is recorded in households not owning small stocks [AOR (95% CI) = 1.12 (0.41–1.65)] or donkeys [AOR (95% CI) = 1.19 (0.18–7.65)]. Conclusion Empirical evidence shows that the prevalence of food insecurity in the study community is high. This situation emanates from a wide range of factors including those linked to culture, physical environment, and production system. Thus, interventions are needed to leverage nutrition education, promote sustainable energy technologies, and develop strategic social service infrastructure in the community development zone. There is also a need to look into long-term settlement plans with the view to improve the welfare of the pastoral communities.