Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy (FDMS) program and El Niño-induced food insecurity among the elderly of Ward 15 of Mazowe Rural District. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Chinanga, Takunda

Title

Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy (FDMS) program and El Niño-induced food insecurity among the elderly of Ward 15 of Mazowe Rural District.

Abstract

This study examined the role of the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy (FDMS) in addressing elnnino-induced food insecurity among the elderly in Ward 15 of Mazowe Rural District, Zimbabwe. The research was motivated by the recurring experiences of hunger and poverty among rural elderly populations, which are exacerbated by climate shocks such as droughts. Despite the existence of food aid programs like FDMS, elderly persons often remain underserved due to logistical, administrative, and structural limitations that hinder effective delivery. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving 23 purposively selected participants 15 elderly FDMS beneficiaries and 8 key informants from government, local leadership, and NGOs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to capture both lived experiences and institutional perspectives. Findings showed that while FDMS provides critical food support, its impact is constrained by irregular distribution, insufficient nutritional content, limited coverage, and exclusion errors. The program lacks integration with essential services such as healthcare, psychosocial support, and nutrition education. Elderly-specific challenges such as physical immobility, poor information access, and weak family support systems further undermine effectiveness. The study concludes that although FDMS offers vital support, its design and implementation need reform. Recommendations include decentralizing food distribution, integrating complementary services, and strengthening targeting and monitoring mechanisms. The study further proposes the Elderly Food Security Empowerment Model (E-FSEM), a community-based approach that promotes local ownership, inter-sectoral collaboration, and holistic support for elderly food security in rural Zimbabwe.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Food Deficit

Food Insecurity

El Nino-Induced

Supervisor

Mr. L. Nyamaka