Household food security in a post-conflict context: a case study among mothers and caregivers of children under five years in the Kalomba Health Zone, Kasai Central, DR Congo

Abstract

Background In the post-conflict context of Greater Kasai, particularly affected by the Kamuina Nsapu phenomenon, food security has seriously deteriorated. Food security, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization, exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. This study aims to assess household food security in the Kalomba Health Zone, marked by increased nutritional vulnerability. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers or caregivers of children aged 6 to 59 months. Household food insecurity was assessed using the HFIAS (Household Food Insecurity Access Scale), which categorizes food access as secure, mildly insecure, moderately insecure, or severely insecure. Food consumption was evaluated based on eight food groups and scored as poor, borderline, or adequate. The analysis combined descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to explore associations. Results The results indicate that 97 % of households are food insecure , including 41.7 % in severe insecurity and 33.4 % very severe . Among so - called secure households , 45.5 % had limited consumption and 45.5 % adequate . On the other hand, 49.7 % of households experiencing food insecurity had so - called adequate consumption Conclusion The high dependence on cereals and fresh vegetables, combined with a low consumption of animal proteins, fruits, and dairy products, reveals a significant nutritional imbalance. These results call for urgent and targeted actions to strengthen food diversity and accessibility in the Kalomba health zone.