A Statistical Analysis of the Determinants of Household Food Insecurity in South Sudan: A Case Study of Rajaf Payam

Abstract

Food insecurity remains a challenge in many sub-Saharan countries and is heavily driven by climate variability. In South Sudan, food insecurity is further exacerbated by incessant sporadic conflict. Understanding the drivers of food insecurity is critical in making sound polices. This study employed a cross-sectional survey to investigate the relationship between household characteristics and food consumption of households in Rajaf Payam, Juba County. Primary data was collected, and a sample size of 138 households was reached. A multiple linear regression model was used to uncover this relationship with independent variables (gender, education, dependency ratio, training and humanitarian aid) selected based on established theory linking them to food security. The findings disclose that training on agriculture and nutrition has a significant positive relationship ( β = 14.333, Std. Error = 2.688) with food consumption scores. In contrast, the education level (completed primary school and above) of the household head has a significant positive relationship ( β = 15.796, Std. Error = 3.336), with food consumption scores. Meanwhile, the dependency ratio has a significant negative effect ( β = −0.37 Std. Error = 0.009) on food consumption scores, whereas humanitarian assistance has an insignificant relationship ( β = 1.994, Std. Error = 2.612) with food consumption scores, and gender has an insignificant relationship ( β = 1.476, Std. Error = 2.745) with food consumption scores. Policymakers should invest in community-based training on farming and nutrition, improve access to basic education through better infrastructure, and support high-dependency households with measures like child grants and livelihood programs. Prioritizing evidence-based interventions can enhance food security, reduce vulnerability, and improve household well-being.