Faith and food in rural Malawi : an investigation into the sociocultural determinants of household food security

Abstract

This study demonstrates that religion and culture play a substantial role in shaping the dietary preferences of rural Malawians. Therefore, it is imperative that cultural and specifically religious factors are given due consideration when devising strategies aimed at alleviating household food insecurity and promoting food security. Despite years of substantial agricultural output, household food insecurity remains a persistent problem, primarily due to sociocultural factors that influence how food is consumed within households. It has been proven that social activities such as weddings, initiation ceremonies, and funerals can significantly impact a household’s food status. The study underscores the need for policymakers to incorporate cultural factors into food security interventions to produce more effective and equitable policies.