The impact of women's food security projects : a case of Ntsako and Jopi Villages in Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

This dissertation describes a study undertaken in Limpopo Province and is based on the LADEP Project which was created through an established working partnership of the Finnish government and LDA extension services. The study aimed to assess the impact of women food security projects on household food security. For many poor people globally, in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, food security continues to be a challenge today. The poverty levels and increase in the prevalence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, reduced rainfall accompanied by changing climatic patterns, environmental degradation, the complexities associated with urbanization, globalization as well as technology shift in the agricultural sector and capitalistic market economies all play a role in the food security crisis. The study investigated the dynamics of food security in two villages in Limpopo Province: Jopi and Ntsako. This research has highlighted some of the factors that influence food economy and food security of poor rural dwellers. Achieving household food security for poor rural households requires an integrated approach in terms of poverty eradication as well as deliberate efforts with regards to food production and distribution within a framework of ecological integrity, with an aim of empowering the poor and ensuring that their household food security is guaranteed. The basic finding, and the one which impacts directly on the household food security of Jopi and Ntsako projects is that the majority of the people in these village depend on government grants, and are therefore classified as poor. However, as a survival mechanism, some women with experience in agriculture have resorted to farming, as well as initiating group farming projects to improve their socio-economic situation. Given the threats to sustainability of these projects, the study recommends that the government to mobilize financial resources to support the activities of these projects. There is also an increased demand for more training on various aspects of management and production for members to maximize output. The study also identifies the significance of a continuous monitoring and evaluation of projects on a regular basis.