Food Security in Burkina Faso: The Influence of Savings Groups on Women's Roles in Household Food Security

In Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in Africa, 44.6% of individuals live on less than $1.25 per day. Over recent years, climate-related hazards have been detrimental to the health of the population in the north/central regions of the country. These changes have led to decreasing food availability in areas already plagued with low food consumption levels and severe malnutrition, especially in pre-harvest periods. Negative health effects of food insecurity are manifest as hindered child development, weight and sleep loss, and other social and psychological consequences. Common measures of food security include food availability, access, and utilization measured at the individual or household level. Potential variables influencing food security are women's land ownership and ability to negotiate or influence decision making in their household. Freedom from Hunger, a non-profit organization aimed at combatting poverty and chronic hunger in developing countries, uses sustainable self-help programs, e.g. Savings for Change, to combat food insecurity in Burkina Faso.