Browsing by Author "Deng Chan Deng Yuot"

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    Analysis of the Factors Influencing Access and Availability of Food Among Rural Households in Gogrial East County, South Sudan
    (Uganda Christian University, 2025-06-24) Deng Chan Deng Yuot
    Food security remains a persistent challenge in rural communities of developing countries and is central to the Sustainable Development Agenda. Defined as a condition in which all individuals, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life, food security is shaped by four key dimensions: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. In South Sudan, the interplay of climate change, protracted conflict, and socio-economic instability has exacerbated food insecurity. Nationally, over 8.3 million people (75%) face acute food insecurity, while in Gogrial East County alone, 62% of households experience severe food deprivation, with food access and availability reported at just 20% and 17.5%, respectively. This study assessed the determinants of food security in Gogrial East County by examining the socio-demographic profiles, agricultural practices, and institutional and economic factors influencing food availability among cereal farmers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 285 randomly selected cereal-farming households out of 992 registered farmers. Data analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple linear regression and marginal effects. Findings indicated that age (β = 0.266, p < 0.05), education level (β = 0.422, p = 0.024), and access to extension services (β = 2.024, p = 0.001) were positively associated with crop productivity. In contrast, improper land preparation (β = -1.682, p = 0.041) and premature planting (β = -5.504, p = 0.001) were negatively associated with yields, largely due to poor agronomic timing and soil degradation. Additionally, weeding frequency (β = 0.662, p = 0.031) and pesticide application (β = 0.564, p < 0.001) significantly improved yields, whereas reliance on local seeds (β = -1.640, p = 0.027) and crop rotation (β = -6.204, p = 0.051) had short-term adverse effects. With regard to dietary diversity, as measured by the Household Diet Diversity Score, education (β = 0.2324, p = 0.014), gender (β = 0.3662, p = 0.042), farm size (β = 0.0065, p = 0.001), and age (β = 0.214, p < 0.001) had significant positive impacts. However, income (β = -0.235, p < 0.001), education level (β = -0.640, p = 0.008), and credit access (dy/dx = -0.620, p = 0.002) revealed complex or counterintuitive effects. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancing extension services, increasing access to certified seeds, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and tailoring credit and education interventions to foster sustainable food security in Gogrial East County.