A model towards addressing high rate of food insecurity among orphans in Zimbabwe. A case study of a selected ward in Mudzi district. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Mutimba, Evelyn R.

Title

A model towards addressing high rate of food insecurity among orphans in Zimbabwe. A case study of a selected ward in Mudzi district.

Abstract

This study sought to develop an intervention model towards addressing high rate of food insecurity among orphans in Zimbabwe. The study was guided by three objectives which are; to identify the underlying factors contributing to food insecurity among orphans, to assess challenges faced by orphans due to food insecurity and to develop a model to address the high rate of food insecurity among orphaned children. Qualitative research approach was utilized to collect, analyze and present findings. All groups that participated in the research were selected through purposive sampling technique. Theoretically, the study was underpinned by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. The study findings showed that food insecurity among orphans is caused by a combination of social, economic and environmental factors. These includes, neglect, lack of family support, lack of employment in rural areas, climate change leading to poor agricultural resources, poverty and lack of access to resources. Therefore, these factors are leading to serious challenges or effects among orphans which includes high rate of malnutrition, extreme hunger and starvation leading to delayed cognitive and physical development among orphaned children, increased school dropouts and poor academic performance, increased child exploitation and early child marriages. The findings demonstrated that the government, non-governmental organizations and other international organizations had put some efforts to provide social services specifically food to the orphans through various programs but still it is limited and not sustainable. However, based on the ecological systems theory, there is an interdependent relationship between all social systems in a society, therefore to promote food security, welfare and protection of orphaned children, there is need for the strong integration of all these systems towards a common goal. The study recommends the government to work together with NGOs, International organizations and all social systems to help to develop sustainable strategies and programs in order to promote food availability and accessibility among orphaned children.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Orphans

Food Insecurity

Mudzi District

Supervisor

Dr. G. Chikono