Date of Graduation

5-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

Advisor/Mentor

Nalley, Lawton L.

Committee Member

Dixon, Bruce L.

Second Committee Member

Popp, Jennie

Abstract

Poverty and food insecurity in the sub-Saharan African region have been exacerbated by the worst drought in 23 years, which impacted 25 countries in Southern and Eastern Africa from 2015-2016. In Mozambique alone it was estimated that the 2015-2016 drought resulted in over 1.5 million people becoming food insecure (FAO, 2016). To mitigate the increasing problem of household food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa, the World Food Program recommends job creation to target the most vulnerable populations. Job creation is often the result of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). However, critics of FDI often cite concerns of human rights abuses, inadequate working conditions, pollution, sourcing, and revenue flows back to the multinational firm that hinder the sustainable, equitable economic development of the host community. This study analyzed increases in behavioral indicators of household food security amongst employees of an agricultural FDI (New Horizons) in Nampula, Mozambique. The data reveals improvements in financial security and several behavioral markers of household food security amongst employees of the FDI over time. While there is no silver bullet to improving economic development and food security in sub-Saharan Africa, socially responsible, agriculturally-based FDIs like New Horizons could be a missing piece to the puzzle.

Keywords

International Development; sub-Saharan Africa; Mozambique; Foreign Direct Investment; Food Security; Service learning

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