Survey-based data on food security, nutrition and agricultural production shocks among rural farming households in northern Uganda.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Mwungu CM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6661252 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Survey-based data on food security, nutrition and agricultural production shocks among rural farming households in northern Uganda.
Mwungu Chris Miyinzi CM Shikuku Kelvin Mashisia KM Atibo Christopher C Mwongera Caroline C
Data in brief 20190312
Climate change, degradation of natural resources, conflict or civil war, diseases and poverty are among the key threats that impact agriculture, human nutrition, food security and food safety among rural households in developing countries. Sustainability of food systems and livelihoods will thus crucially depend on not only the ability to accommodate or recover from these threats but also to tap into opportunities for strengthening long-term capabilities. One approach to enhancing resilience to ...[more]
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Project description:Aside from specific environmental conditions, poor agricultural practices contribute to mold and thus the mycotoxin contamination of crops. This study investigated Bangladeshi farming households' (i) awareness of and experience with mold contamination of food crops; (ii) knowledge and awareness of the timing, causes, and consequences of mold and mycotoxin contamination; and (iii) knowledge of the recommended agricultural practices for controlling and preventing mold contamination of food crops. A survey was conducted with 1280 households in rural areas of Habiganj district, Bangladesh. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated, and mixed-effects linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations between household characteristics and overall knowledge scores. The awareness of mold contamination of food crops was very high (99%; 95% CI: 98-100%) and a shared experience among households (85%; 95% CI: 80-88%). Yet, the majority (80%; 95% CI: 76-84%) demonstrated a low level of knowledge of the timing, causes, and preventive practices regarding mold contamination of crops. Knowledge scores were similar over demographic groups and better for households with more arable land. The findings suggest a generally insufficient knowledge of the conditions that favor mold contamination and the measures for preventing mold contamination of food crops. These findings underline the need for tailored interventions to promote good agricultural practices and reduce mold contamination of food crops.
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