The Contribution Of Mixed Farming To Food Security And Nutrition At Household Level: A Case Of Bambi And Dunga Villages In Zanzibar

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to assess the contribution of mixed farming to food security and nutrition at household level, Bambi and Dunga were taken as case study. It is crucial to conduct this type of research since there are few researches conducted concerning mixed farming agriculture. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation from 107 respondents that included officials from Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, local citizens, agricultural officers and village leaders.

Mixed farming agriculture contributes to food security and nutrition in both villages i.e.54% of the total respondents are satisfied with food security situation. However, lack of extension officers is one among the crucial challenges facing mixed farming agriculture in both villages. The result also revealed that local means for food preservation is the most used i.e. 58% dried their crops as a means of preservation. This study recommends that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar should take affirmative action to emphasis mixed farming agriculture by giving aid and loans to local farmers in order to fight against food insecurity and malnutrition in the villages. Furthermore, extension officers should be distributed in villages to provide professional assistances to local farmers, top officials and policy makers should make follow up for implementation of the Zanzibar Food Security and Nutrition Policy in order to improve food security and nutrition