Research on World Agricultural Economy

Determinants of Household Food Security Status in Sudan, White Nile State

Samar Abdalla

1. Department of Agribusiness and Consumer Sciences, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-hsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia; 2. Agricultural Economics and Policy Research Centre (AEPRC) Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC), Shambat, Sudan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i4.1291

Received: 1 September 2024 | Revised: 4 November 2024 | Accepted: 5 November 2024 | Published Online: 11 December 2024

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Abstract

Numerous nations encountered food insecurity. Sudan is a country where food insecurity persists as a significant problem due to several issues. Despite numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate household food security using various methodological approaches, assessing the status of household food security remains necessary and essential, given the unique characteristics of different regions, household traits related to food consumption, and variables influencing food security. The aims of this study are to evaluate food security utilizing the Food Consumption Score (FCS) as a proxy measure and determine the factors that influence food security. A sample of approximately 330 households was selected from the White Nile State in Sudan. Data were collected using a structured household questionnaire and a module of the Food Consumption Score (FCS) questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) was employed to analyze the factors affecting food security. The FCS results categorize households into three groups: food insecure (33%), somewhat food insecure (47.3%), and food secure (19.7%). The results of MLR indicate that household size, agriculture expertise, and secondary occupation are the primary factors that significantly influence food security. The odds ratios of 87.2%, 92.8%, and 41.8% indicate a higher likelihood for households to transition from being food insecure to becoming food secure. The study suggests for educating households regarding the nutritional value of their food and strengthening the role of extension services. Ultimately, improve food security by disseminating knowledge and information via awareness initiatives conducted by the government and various food organizations.

Keywords: Food Consumption Score (FCS); Multinomial Regression Logistic Model; Household Food Security; Sudan; White Nile State

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