Building food security in drought vulnerable communities: a case study of Marymount, Rushinga district

Author

Chimusoro, Halima N.

Title

Building food security in drought vulnerable communities: a case study of Marymount, Rushinga district

Abstract

This study explored the ways of building food security in drought vulnerable communities, particularly in Marymount, Rushinga district. The main purpose of the study was to identify strategies for building sustainable food in drought vulnerable communities like Marymount, Rushinga District. This is significant as many households in Marymount struggle to access enough, safe and nutritious food leading to increased malnutrition, food insecurity and poverty. A mixed methodology approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews and surveys to gather comprehensive data. The study revealed that drought has devastating effects on crop yields, livestock productivity and household food access. The findings revealed several significant ways used by smallholder farmers in Marymount other stakeholder to build food security, which include farming, off farming activities, temporary migration and receiving aid. However, it also identified opportunities for building food security through sustainable agriculture practices, irrigation development and community-based initiatives. The findings inform policy and practice recommendations for enhancing food security in drought-vulnerable communities, highlighting the significance community-based initiatives, climate-smart agriculture and social protection programs.

Date

October 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Food security

Vulnerable communities

Drought

Supervisor

Mr K. I. Mhuri