SITUATION OF FOOD SECURITY AT TAM GIANG LAGOON, THUA THIEN HUE PROVINCE

Background: In Vietnam, food security is relatively ensured, however, population growth, shrinking agricultural land and the impact of climate change in the future has affected, national food security. Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system has complex geographic position, the lagoon is frequently affected by climate change through extreme weather events such as floods, storms, landslides, sea level rise, etc… These are the risk factors which push people into the cycle of food insecurity. Objectives: To understand food security situation at Tam Giang lagoon and some related factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was implemented on 441 households which have permanent residence at Tam Giang lagoon. Assessment of household food insecurity based on 9 questions from HFIAS questionnaires. Anthropometric indicators including weight and height were measured to evaluate nutritional situation of elderly and children who were living in the research households. Questionaire was used for direct interviewing to figure out some factors which was related to food insecurity. Results: The prevalence of household food insecurity over the past 4 weeeks and 12 months were 45.4% and 51.5%, respectively. Economical status and being in dept were two factors that related to food insecurity (p<0.05). Conclusion: Food security is an ominous issue. Fundamental solutions should be given to mitigate it’s consequences. Key words: food security, lagoon, household