The realization of the human right to adequate food among women and children living in a slum area of Kampala city Uganda

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the realization of the right to adequate food focusing on women and children living in one of the slums in Kampala City Uganda. Respondents of this study were categorised into right holders (mothers and their children) and duty bearers. The following objectives were assessed; the nutritional status of selected right holders, the availability and accessibility of foods, existence of nutritional related health and sanitation facilities and assessing whether appropriate legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks necessary to realize right to food exist. The study design was cross sectional in nature. Interviews with right holders and duty bearers were carried out using questionnaires. Field observations and document analysis were also used in data collection. Data collected from right holders was analysed using SPSS and WHO Anthro. 3.2.2 Software while that from duty bearers was transcribed and used in discussion. Results indicate that about 18% (-.7±1.3) of children were underweight, 41% (-1.7±1.8) were stunted whereas 7% (.2±1.5) were wasted. Mean BMI of women was 23.4±3.8. Food was available in markets but not accessible. Health and sanitation facilities were not easily accessible. Legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks were in place at the national level but not at the community level. The right to adequate food among women and children in this study area was not realized. Factors leading to this are multi-sectoral ranging from socio economic development to environmental and political factors in society