The role of the world food programme in improving household food security in Chamwino district, Tanzania.

This study assessed the contribution of World Food Program (WFP) in improving household food security through one of its intervention called Food for Asset. The specific objectives focused on examination of the factors affecting household food security in the study area, also determination of the level of food security in relation to the assistance provided by WFP. Lastly the project evaluated the short and long term contribution of the WFP project. The study was conducted in Fufu Village which is in Chamwino District in Dodoma Region. Sampling frame involved all project beneficiaries in Fufu Village; 109 respondents were selected randomly from the list of male and female beneficiaries. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Data were collected through in-depth interviews; also focus group discussion and field observation were used as techniques to gather data. Documentary review was also done in order to triangulate the information obtained from the field. Data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitavely. The study revealed that there are several factors affecting household food security which were affirmed by all respondents with poor climatic condition as one among the leading factors, followed by inadequate access to agricultural inputs (90%), pests and diseases (85%) and poor farming methods (50%). All respondents depend on rain fed agriculture, as a result they don’t produce enough food to meet another harvesting season. All respondents used the food received from WFP for household consumption. However, access to varieties of food is still a problem as the results food consumption score shows that 51% of respondents are on borderline category and 49% are on poor category. That means the project is yet to facilitate food accessibility at the acceptable level of food consumption. The project provides in kind food to beneficiaries as a short term response to food security, while the assets created are expected to provide a more sustainable solution to food security through increasing food production. Through community initiatives, the project has succeeded to construct two water dams and contour terraces for flood control. The District Council plans to set up an irrigation scheme and reduce dependency on rain fed agriculture. Generally, the project is yet to respond to the main factors behind food insecurity in the area. The study recommends that the response to food security improvement in the area should factor in the leading causes such as dependency on rain-fed agriculture, subsidization of agricultural inputs and training to farmers on proper farming methods. This should also go parallel with improvement of income generating activities to improve household purchasing power. Support on accessibility of water and sanitation facilities and education, will ensure that food utilization is well achieved.