Assessing how female-led nutrition gardens (village business units) improve household food security: the case of Buhera District

Abstract

Household food insecurity is a recurring problem in semi-arid areas of Zimbabwe. As a result, governments and development partners have introduced nutrition gardens and Village Business Units (VBUs) as tools to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods. Nevertheless, there is lack of empirical evidence regarding the extent of female-led nutrition gardens' impact on household food security in Buhera district. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess the role of female-led nutrition gardens to food security in Buhera District, Zimbabwe with particular focus on food availability, food accessibility, gender and sustainability. The sustainable livelihoods framework and the gender and development theory guided the study. Mixed-method cross-sectional research approach was used where both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were combined. Data for quantitative analysis came from fifty-three households involved in nutrition gardens in four VBUs (Mutungagore, Evergreen, Usavi and Bangure). Data for qualitative analysis came from FGDs and KIIs done among members of nutrition gardens, AGRITEX staff, NGOs and community leaders. For quantitative data, descriptive and comparative analyses were done using Microsoft Excel software whereas for qualitative data thematic analysis was done. The study found that there were major contributions of the gardens towards household food security. Average daily meal frequency increased remarkably from 1.75 meals before involvement in the gardens to 3.45 meals after joining the garden (p < 0.001). Improved food availability and access was noted since all the households mentioned having increased availability of food in their homes while ninety-eight percent stated that the gardens helped in providing food throughout the year due to water for irrigation. The diets of all participating households became diverse because of consumption of different foods like legumes, fruits and vegetables. All the households earned money which was used to purchase food, settle school fees, medical bills and saving money. Women's ownership and control of the income received was however hindered by socio-cultural norms in the society and within the household. The study concludes that female-led nutrition gardens are an effective strategy for improving household food and nutrition security, income generation, and community resilience in Buhera District. However, strengthening women's decision-making power, improving market linkages, promoting savings groups, and enhancing local ownership are critical for ensuring long-term sustainability. The study recommends integrating gender-transformative approaches, financial inclusion mechanisms, and climate-resilient agricultural practices into future nutrition garden programming to maximise food security outcomes and reduce dependency on external support.