Assessing the relationship between small scale sugarcane growing and household food security :

Abstract

The study was carried out in Wairasa Sub County, Mayuge District, Eastern Uganda, to examine the relationship between sugarcane cultivation and household food security among small-scale farmers. This research was prompted by the rising levels of food insecurity, even as land previously used for food crop production is increasingly converted to sugarcane cultivation. The primary objective was to assess the link between sugarcane farming and household food security among small-scale farmers in Wairasa Sub County. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the socio-economic characteristics of these farmers and evaluate their food security levels. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 120 small-scale sugarcane farmers in Mayuge District's Wairasa Sub County. Descriptive statistics, including graphs, charts, and tables, were employed to analyze the socio-economic characteristics, while tabular descriptive data and calculations were used to evaluate food security components such as food availability, food utilization, food access, and food stability among small-scale sugarcane farmers compared to those growing food crops. The study recommended that further research be conducted to assess food security differences between households that cultivate sugarcane and those that do not in Wairasa Sub County. It also emphasized the need for educating small-scale sugarcane farmers on integrating sugarcane cultivation with food crop production to enhance food availability and access. This could be achieved through the establishment of policies governing sugarcane production and regular training sessions conducted by qualified professionals, facilitated by stakeholders such as the government or NGOs. Additionally, efforts should focus on identifying ways to improve the food security status of both sugarcane-growing and non-sugarcane-growing households in Wairasa Sub County, Mayuge District.