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QUALITATIVE UTILIZATION OF THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR TO UNDERSTAND SUBSISTENCE FARMERS’ FOOD SECURITY CONDITIONS IN UNITY STATE, SOUTH SUDAN
Abstract
This study sought to identify strategies to improve food security and agricultural development in Unity State, South Sudan. In addition, the study was designed to investigate proper way to diminish gender inequality through improved agricultural extension services that target subsistence farmers in rural areas of Unity State. South Sudan is the world’s newest nation and due to the war for independence and ongoing civil war, the population suffers from extreme food insecurity. Subsistence farmers in Unity State are food insecure due, in part, to conflict, climate irregularities, the absence of appropriate technology, lack of access to agricultural markets, and gender inequality. To better comprehend the food security conditions in Unity State, 19 key informants were interviewed, including agricultural professionals, agricultural scientists and extension specialists, and gender development workers who work with agricultural communities, profit, and non-profit organizations. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded using a semi-open coding scheme, and analyzed to discover themes. The identified themes included lack of access to infrastructure and capital and gender inequality. Findings showed that women are being systematically discriminated against with respect to education, civic engagement, and the ability to make independent decisions. Providing agricultural training and information about organizations that supply farm equipment to small farmers in rural areas seemed to be essential to improving food security. Results substantiated that when farmers received agricultural training and farm equipment, they would be able to farm. Subsequently, farmers would be capable of producing their own food and have a decent living that supports food security conditions.
References
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