AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF CASH FOR WORK AND FOOD AID PROGRAMS IN IMPROVING HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY: A CASE STUDY OF MUDUG REGION, PUNT LAND STATE, SOMALIA

Abstract

Food aid and food for work are two interventions, that are used by development workers to address food insecurity. Food aid is criticized for creating dependency and it being an emergency response which does not address hunger reduction in the long term basis to achieve food security. On the other hand it is argued that cash for work is considered to be prone to corruption and poor targeting which in the long run do not benefit the community and does not contribute to achieving food security as well. Given that there is no consensus, and yet the two interventions continue to be used, it was important to investigate the effects of each in alleviating food security. The general objective of the study was to assess and compare the effects of cash for work and food aid in improving food security in Mudug region, Punt land state, Somalia. The study adopted a descriptive survey and the target population was beneficiaries of food for work and cash transfers program. The study was conducted between the months of November and December 2011. Results showed that, the Cash for Work group were more food secure as compared to Food Aid group since they had more food stocks, less expenses on medical and debt repayments. The group had also more food in store to last them longer as compared to Food aid group as well as more livestock holding. From the findings, it is recommended that there is need to train people on the importance of savings and investments as this contribute largely to food security. There is need to increase child care practice awareness to either of the groups to decrease the morbidity and also to improve the general health status of the children. Women need to be more empowered as they are the key stakeholders in food security in production, access and utilization.