Socio economic Determinants of Food Insecurity and Dietary Behaviours in a Mining Urban Setting : A Mixed methods Study in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Food insecurity remains a major challenge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in mining towns where dependence on markets and economic instability expose households to recurring vulnerabilities. The objective of this study was to analyze the determinants of dietary behaviors and household food security in Kolwezi, with a view to informing a future pilot program. A predominantly quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 383 households selected through simple random sampling with stratification, supplemented by 25 semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo. The prevalence of food insecurity over the past 12 months was 42.1%. Only 21.5% of households consumed fruits and vegetables daily, while 66% consumed grains and starchy foods every day. The high cost of food was the main barrier (76.9%). After adjustment, low educational attainment (primary or none: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.24; 95% CI 1.97–5.33), informal employment (aOR = 2.58; 95% CI 1.63–4.08), and a household size of ≥7 people (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI 1.26–2.71) were significantly associated with food insecurity. The qualitative analysis identified five main themes: economic constraints, cultural practices, coping strategies, agricultural barriers, and training expectations. Food insecurity in Kolwezi affects a significant proportion of households and is strongly linked to modifiable socioeconomic factors. Future interventions should combine targeted nutrition education, support for urban agriculture, and social protection measures.