Examining the Effects of Drought on Household Food Security: A Case Study of Manyika Ward, Chongwe District

This study examined the effects of drought on household food security in Manyika Ward, Chongwe District. The concern arose because drought has become more frequent in recent years, making it harder for rural households to maintain reliable food supplies. The focus was placed on how recurrent droughts affect food availability and access, the coping strategies used by households, and the effectiveness of local and government interventions in mitigating food insecurity. A descriptive research design was used, and data were analyzed using percentages to summarize household responses. A mixed-method approach was employed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the problem. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 100 households purposely selected from a vulnerable population of approximately 200 households. Qualitative insights were gathered to complement the survey and provide deeper context on community experiences during drought. Information collected included household demographics, economic activities, crop production patterns, and how families manage food shortages during periods of insufficient rainfall. The findings revealed that recurrent droughts have severely reduced household food availability. The analyzed data showed that 84% of respondents experienced reduced food production, while 72% reported frequent crop failures, mainly affecting staple crops such as maize. In addition, 69% indicated that household food stocks were exhausted shortly after harvest, demonstrating increased vulnerability to food shortages. Livestock production was also affected, with 61% reporting livestock losses due to water and pasture shortages. Regarding food access, the study found that drought significantly limited households’ ability to obtain food. About 76% of respondents reported difficulty-accessing food, while 74% experienced increased food prices during drought periods. Furthermore, 71% reported reduced household income, making it difficult to purchase food. As a result, 68% of households reduced the number of meals consumed per day, indicating worsening food insecurity. The study also established that households rely on various coping strategies to survive drought conditions. About 82% reduced meal frequency, 78% engaged in casual labor, 73% borrowed food or money, and 69% sold household assets to meet food needs. Although these strategies help households survive in the short term, they often weaken long-term livelihood stability.

In terms of interventions, the study found that both local and government responses play an important role but remain insufficient. About 72% of respondents benefited from local community support systems, while 74% received some form of government assistance, including food relief and cash transfers. However, 68% of respondents indicated that local interventions were not adequate, and 69% stated that government support was insufficient to fully address food insecurity, mainly due to limited coverage and delays. The study concludes that recurrent droughts significantly undermine household food security in Manyika Ward through reduced food production and access. It recommends strengthening irrigation systems, improving social protection programmes, enhancing community-based interventions, and promoting livelihood diversification and early warning systems to build resilience against future droughts.