A cross-sectional study to establish the relationship between residential land use and food security in Amudat District.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v2i11.112Keywords:
Residential land, food security, Amudat DistrictAbstract
Background
The study aimed to establish the relationship between residential land use and food security in Amudat District.
Methodology
The study employed a descriptive research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches to enhance validity through triangulation. The target population comprised 2,980 households, from which a sample of 426 was selected. Simple random sampling was used to ensure equal representation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, interview guide, observation checklist, and documentary review guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Qualitative data from interviews and document reviews were analyzed thematically and presented narratively to complement quantitative results.
Results
Of the 426 planned participants, 350 responded, yielding an 82.2% response rate. Most respondents were male (60%), aged 30–49 years (58%), and married (70%). Educational attainment was generally low, with 80% having no formal or only primary education. Half of the households owned 0–5 acres of land. Residential land use was characterized by informal, customary, and poorly planned settlements. Respondents disagreed that residential areas were well planned or adequately serviced, recording mean scores below 2.00 for planning, housing allocation, water, electricity, waste management, and street lighting. Customary land ownership scored 4.25, while informal homestead clustering scored 4.05. Food security was generally low; households lacked sufficient food (mean 1.61), dietary diversity (1.53), nutritious diets (1.56), and affordability of preferred foods (1.48). Many ate fewer than two meals per day (4.15), borrowed food (3.60), and purchased food from neighboring districts (3.45). Correlation analysis showed a moderate positive relationship between residential land use and food security (r = 0.316, p = 0.002).
Conclusion
Residential land use significantly influences food security outcomes in Loroo Sub-County.
Recommendation
Strengthening land planning, improving infrastructure, and supporting small household production systems are essential for enhancing food security in the district.
References
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