Assessment of household food security and food safety knowledge and practice in Motta town, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The ultimate goal of food security is to live an active and healthy life. Accessing safe food is, therefore, an integral component of food security. This study was, thus, initiated to assess knowledge and practice of food safety among food insecure household in Motta town, East Gojam Zone. in terms of household food handling, personal hygiene and water sanitation. Kebele 01 was selected purposively as people of different incomes lived in it. The study households were selected randomly. The study was cross-sectional and information was collected
from 366 households using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using STATA for windows version 14. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyze and interpret data. Based on their experiences of food insecurity as measured by household food insecurity access (HFIA) prevalence, about 83% of the respondents were found to be food insecure at different levels, mildly (40%), moderately (41%) or severely (2%). To cope up with food insecurity, households either reduced the quality (88%) or the quantity of food provided to
household members. Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in food handling among the respondents were low (28.5%, 50%, and 32.3%, respectively). Similarly, poor level of knowledge (14%, 12%) and practice (49%, 20%) was observed in water sanitation and personal hygiene, respectively. Thus, household members are at risk of contracting foodborne illnesses. In general, most of the study households suffered from food insecurity and lack of appropriate practices in food safety.