Food Security In Katolo: Household Analysis and the Search for Remedial Policies.

Abstract

The study addressesthe causesof household food insecurity and, examine whether indigenous cum traditional food plants can be processed at the village-based industrial level to reverse the occurrence of famine in Katolo. Thework resulted from of a preliminary investigation conducted among the Katolo community" between August 1993 to December 1994. The data were gathered through reconnaissance, cross-sectional~ surveys, participatory community assessment, hypothetical-inductive (attitudinal analyzes) and a 'grounded theory' approach. The approach used was called 'participatory action-oriented research approach' (PAORA). However, due to lack of funds it was not possible to carry out households' empirical analysis.

This phase shall now be concerned with carrying our related hypothetico-deductive analyzes. The study will critically analyze why Katolo is perennially deficient in food and food insecurity can be alleviated. The objective will be:-

(1) To identify the causes of food shortage in Katolo and micronutrient deficiencies affecting targeted households, biovailability of Vitamin A and iron in the staple diets and whether Vitamin A and iron deficiencies can be eliminated through the raised consumptive pattern of staple foodcrops if processed in modern ways at the village based industrial level.

(2) To ascertain the role of women in food production and processing. For instance, besides farming for their consumption 'can they produce enough for sale to support village-based food processing industry?'