Assessing Food Insecurity Among Families During the Covid-19 Pandemic in The Oforikrom Municipality, Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified food insecurity globally, and if this trend continues unchecked, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 with a focus on the zero-hunger target by 2030 will likely be affected. This study aimed to compare food insecurity among two communities (Ayeduase and Kotei), family types and gender during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Oforikrom Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A longitudinal study was conducted at baseline and end-line among 160 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire and a 2-stage sampling technique were employed in collecting data in December 2020 for baseline and June 2021 for end-line. The overall prevalence of food insecurity was 49.4%, 29.4% and 21.2% for mild, moderate and severe food insecurity respectively at baseline. At end-line, moderate and severe food insecurity reduced (13.1% and 10%) respectively among the respondents. Severe food insecurity was higher among respondents in Kotei (22%) than in Ayeduase (20%) at baseline. However, at end-line severe food insecurity among respondents in Ayeduase was higher (11.2%) than Kotei (8.7%). There was a significant association between food insecurity and no formal education at baseline and end-line (p= 0.005 and p= 0.003 respectively), and easy access to water at baseline and end-line (p= 0.015 and p= 0.045 respectively), whiles at end-line, there was a significant associated between food insecurity and extended families (p= 0.022). As income levels increased, food insecurity rate reduced. Relief support plans and policies for families during pandemics should be focused on the implementation of sustainable food security strategies to prevent hunger and malnutrition