Farmers' Strategies and Food Security in Haut-Sassandra

Faced with the saturation of agricultural land, farming households in the Haut-Sassandra region are implementing adaptive strategies on their farms. These strategies or adjustments relate to the ways in which they cultivate and manage their farm plots. However, despite these adjustments, many households still face food insecurity. The objective of this study was therefore to understand the rationale behind these adjustments and their impact on the food security of rural households. To this end, field surveys-combining quantitative and qualitative data collection tools-were conducted on a total sample of 137 households across 17 localities. The results show that adjustments made to farming practices on agricultural plots are driven by a logic of agricultural intensification. Furthermore, adjustments made to how agricultural plots are managed are underpinned by a logic of risk anticipation and management. Finally, the results highlight the limitations of these adjustments, thereby explaining the persistence of household food insecurity.