Social Determinants of Household Food Security among Rural Families in Kismayo District of Jubaland, Somalia

Food security issues and concerns are very prevalent in Somalia. A significant part of the population face food insecurity in the entire country. Even though global evidence shows that this menace affects mostly the illiterate, families headed by females, poor families, and those households headed by old members of the family, there is dearth of these literature for the case of Somalia. Thus, this study sought to establish family characteristics which influences food security among rural families in Kismayo District of Jubaland State of Somalia. Specifically, the study sought to find out the influence of family income sources, family gender characteristics, family asset diversification and family head background characteristics in determining food security. Cross-sectional design was adopted with a sample of 400 households drawn from five main villages in Kismayo District, namely Abdidhore, Gobweyn, Yontooy, Yaqshinile, and Madhawa using systematic random sampling technique. Primary data was gathered using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and regression techniques were deployed to analyze data with the aid of SPSS version 20.0. The study has established that family income, age of the household head, gender, and family asset diversification have a statistically significant influence on family food security. Additionally, education of the household head influences family food security. The study recommends that the relevant authorities should create gainful employment for residence of Kismayo District so as to ensure food security. In addition, families should be sensitized on the importance of having diverse assets and, family heads be educated and equipped with basic skills that can help them guide the family toward food security.