Objectives
To determine the impact of Homestead Food Production (HFP) with or without fishponds on household food security, dietary diversity, production, and income.
Methods
A randomized control trial of ninety clusters, consisting of a village model farm and ten female farmers (n=900). Clusters were randomly assigned to: (i) HFP, (ii) HFP plus Fish, and (iii) Control. Validated instruments, including the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) Dietary Diversity Scale (HDDS), and income earned from selling HFP products were utilized in baseline and endline surveys.
Results
Production of vegetables and fish was 3-4 times higher in HFP and HFP plus Fish groups compared to the control group. Households with HFP plus fish were more likely (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.75) to be food secure compared to control households (p=0.02). Women in both interventions groups were more likely to have consumed ³6 foods groups in the previous 24h, compared to women in the control group (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.12; p<0.01; and OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.01, 212; p=0.01). Income from HFP increased in the intervention households, with no change observed in control households. The average amount of income from HFP was 30 and 39 times greater for households with HFP and HFP plus Fish groups compared to control (p< 0.001). Income from HFP was predominately used to buy micronutrient rich foods such as beef, pork, chicken and fish.
Conclusions
HFP both with and without fish can have a significant impact on food security, dietary diversity and income.
