Determinants of seasonal food security among smallholder farmers in south-central Uganda

Abstract Background Food security is threatened by deteriorating soil quality and declining crop yields in Uganda and throughout Africa where a majority of the population relies on small-scale farming for its livelihood. To understand these dynamics, this study investigates the relationships among soil quality, crop yields, socioeconomic factors (independent variables), and food security (dependent variable), measured as household meals per day, during the seasons of scarcity and plenty from interviews with 150 farmers in south-central Uganda. Results Using multivariate logistic regression, total acreage, and banana (Musa × paradisiaca L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yields were positively associated with food security during the season of plenty (OR = 1.44, 1.86, and 2.21, respectively). During the period of scarcity, total acreage, and maize (Zea mays L.) and bean yields were associated with food security (OR = 1.70, 2.57, and 3.18, respectively), while off-farm income was associated with less food security (OR = 0.13). Conclusions The results indicate that land size and crop yields are more important for smallholder food security than soil quality in terms of direct relationships. We recommend that land fragmentation and low crop yields should be addressed to improve food security in south-central Uganda.