Assessment of Household Food Security in Kikonoka Village, Bulyango Sub- County, Hoima District, Uganda

Abstract

Household food security remains a major rural development concern because food production does not necessarily guarantee stable access to adequate and nutritious diets. This study assessed household food security in Kikonoka Village, Bulyango Sub-County, Hoima District, Uganda, focusing on food availability, household food expenditure, and seasonal shortages. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 90 households selected through simple random sampling, while qualitative evidence was obtained from 10 purposively selected key informants. Quantitative data were summarized using frequencies and percentages, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings showed that 83.2% of households reported sufficient food availability for most of the year, while 16.8% experienced seasonal shortages. In addition, 46.3% reported increased expenditure on food, particularly during periods of scarcity and rising market prices. The findings indicate that household food security in Kikonoka is relatively adequate in periods of production but remains vulnerable to seasonal instability, limited storage, low incomes, and restricted dietary diversity. The study contributes localized evidence by interpreting these conditions through the food security dimensions of availability, access, utilization, and stability and through Sen’s production, trade, labour, and transfer entitlements. It recommends context-specific investment in climate-resilient production, storage, crop diversification, livelihood diversification, nutrition education, and community grain banks.