Tropentag, September 16 - 18, 2015 in Berlin, Germany "Management of land use systems for enhanced food security – conflicts, controversies and resolutions"

Contribution of Wild Fruits to Household Income and Food Security among Small Scale Farmers in West Kordofan State - Sudan

University of Western Kordofan, Department of Economics, Sudan

Abstract

Wild fruits are a crucial source of household income and food security in many rural households in study area mainly during dry season. However, in Sudan general and West Kordofan in particular the contribution of the wild fruits to the household income and food security, is still relatively limited. This study attempts to assess the contribution of wild fruits to household income and food security and to evaluate the factors that influence the plantation and consumption of wild fruits among small scale farmers in West Kordofan State. The data used in this study were derived from field survey that is conducted during the years 2013-2014 in West Kordofan State. Structured questionnaires were administered to 150 farm households, divided into 50 respondents' represents fruit collectors, 50 retailers and 50 respondenting for wholesalers. A cluster random sampling technique was used for the selection of sampling. Subsequently, focus group discussions with the key informants in the village communities were also conducted. The logit regression, descriptive statistics and (SWOT) analysis were used in the data analysis. The results showed, that the contribution of wild fruits to household income was found to be 71% approximately SDG 2092, 50% of sampled households have secured their food from wild fruits collections, especially during the dry season. The results obtained from logit model indicated that the decision of farmers to plant wild fruits trees were influenced by education level of the farmers, gender, lack of awareness, marketing facilities and availability seedlings. Despite the fact that wild fruits collections have a positive and significant contribution to household income and food security in the study area, nevertheless wide threaten was reported by (SWOT) analysis. The study suggests that in order to improve wild fruits there is a need to formulate supportive policies that encourage marketing and pricing. This could be possible through improvement of infrastructure and market channels.

Keywords: Food security, income, logit model, SWOT, wild fruits

Contact Address: Sayed Ali Fadal Elmola Zareba, University of Western Kordofan, Department of Economics, Elnohoud, Sudan, e-mail: zareba692000yahoo.com