Ability for women to overcome household food insecurity in rural Ghana

Background: Household food insecurity is a daily reality for millions of people globally. It is more of a problem in developing countries and it persists in rural northern Ghana. Food insecurity threatens the health and wellbeing of children, adults, families, communities and nations. It contributes to low birth weight babies, mental health conditions, diabetes, obesity and impacts overall quality of life. Purpose: To examine the ability of women in rural Ghana to overcome household food insecurity. Methods: Utilizing quantitative data collection methods, face-to-face interviews with women were conducted. A measure of household food insecurity was constructed and a 24-item instrument was used. A simple random sample (N=241) of households selected women who prepare meals for the household to be administered a survey. The survey instrument collected demographic, household food insecurity, social network and perceived social support data. All data was analyzed quantitatively. Results: Of 241 women, 82% were married, 39% had co-wives, 80% did not have formal education, the average age was 40 years and the average number of adults per household was 7. Correlation analysis and logistic regression models revealed social networks social support, marital status and years living in the village were significantly associated to the experience of low household food insecurity. Conclusions: Women in northern rural Ghana who were married, with higher social supports and social networks were more likely to overcome household food insecurity. There is a need to for policies and programs that support expanded collaboration, education and empowerment of women.