Household food security, child nutrition and food safety among vegetable producers and non-producers in Dugda woreda, Oromia region, Ethiopia

Household vegetable production is believed to contribute to household food security. This prompted the study to evaluate household food security status, household knowledge and practices in child nutrition, food safety and water sanitation among vegetable-producing and non-vegetable-producing households in two kebeles found around Meki town, Dugda woreda. For comparison, 147 households who produced vegetables and 147 other households who did not produce vegetatbles were randomly selected. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Vegetable producing households (49%) generated higher monthly income (ETB 3000 - > 4000) than non-producing ones (ETB 500 to 2000). More vegetable-producing households (61%) were food secured than non-vegetable-producers (16%). Based on Bloom’s cut off point, knowledge, positive attitude and appropriate practice in child feeding practices in all households was poor (< 60%). Vegetable producers and non-producers had good (87%) and moderate (77%) knowledge, and moderate positive attitude towards safe food handling (61%, 64%, respectively). Appropriate food handling practices were poor (< 60%) in both cases. Personal hygiene knowledge and practice were also poor in both types of households although positive attitude towards personal hygiene was moderate in both cases (61%-64%). Knowledge, attitude and practice in water sanitation was poor in both types of households. This study showed that, although vegetable producers earned more income and were in a better food security status, adequate training in child nutrition and food safety, which are important components of food security, is needed.