African Comparative Politics | 07 April 2008
Social Safety Nets and Food Security Among Smallholder Farming Communities in Uganda's Central Highlands: A Five-Year Review
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Abstract
This Policy Brief examines the impact of social safety nets on food security among smallholder farming communities in Uganda's Central Highlands, focusing on a five-year intervention. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights through focus group discussions among community members. There was a significant increase in household food consumption levels by 20% over the five-year period, with notable improvements in staple crop production. The social safety nets have positively influenced household food security but require targeted interventions to sustain and expand their benefits. Adopting climate-smart agricultural practices alongside SSNs is recommended to ensure long-term resilience. Strengthening community engagement mechanisms will also enhance the impact of SSNs.