The contribution of voluntary savings and loan associations towards enhancing household food security in kole district, mid-north Uganda

Purpose: The study examined the relationship between VSLA activities and household food security in Kole District. Specifically, the study examined the effect of VSLA on three aspects of household food security, namely availability, food access, and food stability. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional design, which employed a mixed methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. A target population of 252 respondents including district and sub-county officials, VSLA leaders, and VSLA members was used. Both simple-random sampling and purposive sampling were applied to select a sample size of 148 and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussions. Data was largely presented using tables. Descriptive statistics (mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression) were used to analyse numerical data while Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings: The findings revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between activities of VSLA and household food security in the area of study. Also, VSLA activities yielded a significant effect on food availability (β=0.721, P<0.05), food accessibility (β=0.609, P<0.05) and food stability (β=0.761, P<0.05). It was decided that VSLA activities have a significant effect on household food security in Kole District, something that contributes to empirical-evidence of the association between VSLA activities and household food security. Unique contribution of theory, practice and policy: For improved household food security, it is encouraged that Kole District Local Government should mobilise the local community to join VSLA groups so that they can access affordable capital with a view to increase their level of food production.