Food Security Studies

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Analysis of the Food System Drivers, Food Security, and Resilience Situations in the Majang Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-08) Shibru Zerihun; Messay Mulugeta (PhD); Meskerem Abi (PhD)
Food security has always been a pressing issue, especially in developing nations like Ethiopia. Despite ongoing efforts, Ethiopia continues to face numerous challenges in ensuring food security. The objective of this study was investigating the food system drivers, the status of food security, and the resilience situation of households in the Majang zone of Ethiopia. The study involved 320 randomly chosen households from 10 villages in the two districts. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the primary and secondary sources. . Analytical measures such as Framework-based assessment, descriptive statistics, binary and ordered logistic regression, principal components, and Chi-square test analytical methods were utilized to generate the results. The framework based assessment results revealed that unproductive agriculture, population increase, natural resource misuse, less productive health and education sectors, ineffective policies, and poor infrastructural and service institutions were the major factors driving impairing productivity of the food system in the area. Additionally, the study found that family size, education, landholding, livestock ownership, income, and possession of beehives positively determined the food security status of households. Conversely, the use of chemical pesticides and the age of the household head had an inverse relationship with food security. Furthermore, the study examined the resilience of households and found that 40% were resilient, while 60% were non-resilient. Regarding food insecurity, 14.76% of household were food secure, while 36.87%, 37.11%, and 11.26% were mildly, moderately, and severely food insecure households, respectively. The coping strategy index revealed that 2.81%, 38.75%, 31.56%, and 26.87% of the households adopted less severe, mildly severe, moderately severe, and highly severe coping strategies, respectively. The finding of the study revealed various drivers and pressures that strain the local food system and security, leading to high level of food insecurity and weak resilience capacity. Consequently, the households forced to adopt diverse coping strategies. The study suggested that it is crucial to implement programs and policies that promote sustainable use and management of natural resources, improve the service sectors, support agriculture with improved technologies and practices, strengthen income diversification to enhance resilience capacity, and reduce severe coping practices.
The Nexus of Food Politics and Food Policy: Implications to Household Food Security in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Yared Ayele; Meskerem Abi (PhD)
Food insecurity is a global issue impacting millions, with sub-Saharan Africa being particularly affected. In Ethiopia, the rapid urbanization exacerbates food insecurity, especially Addis Ababa. This study explores the implication of food politics and policies on household food security in Addis Ababa, focusing on the alignment between these elements to develop effective mechanisms against food insecurity and malnutrition. While general effects have been studied, specific consequences of food policies, politics, and stakeholder dynamics on household food security remain underexplored. This research addresses this gap by examining political influences on policy formulation, assessing the roles of governmental organizations, evaluating policy effectiveness, and identifying policy process gaps and opportunities for change. It provides critical insights in Addis Ababa, promoting inclusive policy-making and addressing food insecurity to enhance social equality and quality of life. The study employs a cross-sectional design with qualitative and quantitative methods, including key informant interviews with government officials, household surveys among Addis Ababa, and analysis of national policy documents and existing literature. Qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and thematically, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, providing insights into food security issues and policy implications in an urban setting. The intricate nexus between food politics, policies, and household food security highlights the importance of governance structures, decision-making processes, and policy application. Effective stakeholder integration and public involvement are crucial for democratic governance and policy efficiency. Addressing food insecurity challenges requires community consultations, enhanced public participation, and robust policy implementation mechanisms at the community level. Decision-makers must close policy gaps and align policies with household needs to develop more inclusive, effective, and transparent food security policies, ultimately improving household and community well-being.
Comparative Analysis of Household’s Food Security Status in Dire Dawa: Rural-Urban Dichotomy
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-11) Yoseph Demelash; Amare Bantider (PhD)
Food security is the ability to access sufficient and nutritious food to live a healthy and active life. The primary goal of this study was to assess the level of food security and its determinants across urban and rural households in Dire Dawa. Both primaryand secondary data have been gathered for the study. Using a multistage sampling technique, primary data were obtained from 356 randomly chosen rural families and 395 randomly selectedurban households, respectively, and secondary data were gathered from various sources. Descriptive statistics, the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) and probit logit models were used to examine the data. The survey's findings showed that 35.67% of the selected rural households had access to enough food, while the remaining 64.33% did not. Furthermore, a 65.6% food security rate and a 34.4% food insecurity rate were discovered in the sample of urban households. The results of the Probit regression analysis showed that factors such as the sex of the household head,educational level, household size, donkey ownership (unlike Oxen ownership in the highlands for plough agriculture, and camel and livestock ownership as major income source in the lowlands, donkey in Dire Dawa and its environs is important pack animal and used as source of income in the area by hiring it), cash crop production, off-farm income, income, access to irrigation, and access to better seed all significantly increased the likelihood ofa rural household being able to provide for its members' nutritional needs. Moreover, sex of household head, educational level, household size, remittance, saving, and urban agriculture determines the food security status of urban household at 5% level of significance. Therefore, thestudy advises that in order to improve the status of food security for households in the study area,rural households should be encouraged to promote offfarm income, work on household size through sustainable awareness creation, promote cash crop productivity, access to irrigation, increasing income, owning donkeys, and improve the household heads' educational level.
Effect of Land Use Land Cover Changes on River Water Quality and Household Food Production in Little Akaki River Catchment, Central, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-09) Biruk Wolde; Meskerem Abi (PhD); Samuel Assefa (PhD)
The study area is located where urban and peri-urban agriculture practiced, urbanization expanded and land use changes observed. The overall objective of this research is to investigate the effect of land use land cover changes on river water quality and household food production in Little Akaki river catchment, central Ethiopia. To classify land use classes, supervised Maximum Likelihood Classification were used. Ten water sampling sites were selected using a purposive sampling procedure to assess water quality parameters. Additionally, eight key informants were interviewed for valuable insights. Data were gathered from USGS satellite imagery, field observations, secondary sources, and key informant interviews. Change detection were used to analyze the land use land cover change. Time series plot were used to see the water quality trend. Multiple linear regression and Pearson correlation were used to examine the land use classes that affect river water quality and household food production. Furthermore, paired t-test were used to examine the significance of water quality parameters. The maximum likelihood classification and change detection revealed that seven land use classes for the last three decades were identified using Arc GIS 10.7.1. The overall accuracy was 96% (1994) and 94.56% (2023). The settlement and buildup area faced the most significant change, in 1994-2023 with 27.25% (109.86km2) and 7.43% (29.97km2) during 2019-2023 showing increase of urbanization and industrialization process which has a significant effect. The time series plot revealed that there is significant change in river water quality parameters. The physio-chemicals decreased, Temperature by 0.09550 c, Power of Hydrogen=0.054, Dissolved Oxygen=0.0964, Total Dissolved Solids=163.77, Salinity=537.048, Chromium=0.0569, Cadmium=0.00476, whereas Turbidity=518.6, Lead=0.1671 and Zinc=0.09534 has increased. The multiple linear regression revealed that all land use classes have strong positive significant correlation with water quality indicators, whereas water body has strong negative correlation with dissolved oxygen. Furthermore, results revealed that decrease in crop land affected their household food production and livelihood. The study conclude that land use land cover change has outstanding effect on river water quality and Household food production. Finally, the research recommended enhancing regulation and enforcement, improving public awareness, prioritizing low impact development strategies, promoting agricultural initiatives, implementing water harvesting system and conservation, developing comprehensive land use plan,
Assessment Of Association Between Under 5 Years Childrens’ Acute Malnutrition And Household Access To Water And Sanitation Service And Hygiene Practice: A Case-Control Study In Yeka , Lemi Kura and Kirkos Sub Cities , Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-03) Bisart Molla; Abebe Haile (PhD)
The study aims to examine the association between U-5 years children’s severe acute malnutrition and household access to water and sanitation service and hygiene practice in Kirkos, Yeka, and Lemi Kura Sub-Cities of Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Community based unmatched case-control study design was deployed to assess the relationship of severe acute malnutrition with water, sanitation, hygiene and other associated factors among under five children. Using systematic random sampling technique, a total of 296 under five children were enrolled from July 3 to August 30, 2023. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS version 21 to identify water, sanitation and hygiene factors associated with severe acute nutritional. Statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05. Water treatment [AOR:1.98,95%CI (1.152-3.413)], child hand washing after defecation [AOR:2.95, 95%CI (1.246-6.973)], marital status of the guardian [AOR: 3.57,95%ci (1.23-10.39)]and adequate breast milk [AOR: 2.05, 95 %CI (1.18-3.56)] were determinant factors significantly associated with child severe acute malnutrition. Thus, water treatment and hand washing after defection were the major water, sanitation, hygiene related factors statically associated with severe acute malnutrition. House hold water handling and treatment, proper child handing and continues behavioral change intervention on hygiene practice are recommended along with nutritional interventions.
Meteorological Hazards: Causes and Impacts on Food Security and Disaster Risk Management Strategy in Borena Pastoralists, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-05) Fikru Tarekegn; Desalegn Yayeh (PhD, Asso. Prof); Amare Bantider (PhD, Asso. Prof); Walter Leal (Professor)
The article identifies climate change adaptation response determinants and examines perceived adaptation successfulness among pastoral households in Borena zone of Southern Ethiopia. In this study a mixed research design was used. Different type of data was collected from 417 sample households selected using multistage sampling methods, key informants and focus group discussion participants. Descriptive statistics (e.g. mean, percentage) and econometrics analysis (e.g. multivariate probit model) were used to analyze quantitative data while content analysis was used for qualitative data. The study reveals that a combination of demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors influence the adoption of these strategies. The analysis identifies variables such as education level, credit association membership, access to extension services, and climate change training as consistently significant factors associated with multiple adaptation strategies. This suggests that knowledge, resource accessibility, and skills development play crucial roles in enabling households to implement effective adaptation measures. Additionally, the results highlight the significance of gender in shaping adaptation strategies. The study also finds notable associations between market distance, life experience in the area, and certain adaptation strategies, suggesting that proximity to markets and local knowledge impact the feasibility and effectiveness of specific adaptation measures. The findings provide valuable insights into the complex factors that shape food insecurity adaptation strategies. This understanding enables policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions, programs, and policies that enhance resilience and reduce food insecurity in vulnerable populations
Beekeeping Practices and Its Contribution to Household Food Security in Addis Ababa: The Case of Yeka Sub-City
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Gemechis Jaleta; Meskerem Abi PhD
Beekeeping in Ethiopia has a rich and longstanding tradition, deeply rooted in the country's history and cultural heritage. Ethiopia, known as the ‘Land of Origins’, possesses a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide variety of bee species, making it an ideal location for apiculture. Beekeeping plays a key role in enhancing household incomes, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring food and nutrition security. Despite its importance, beekeeping in urban areas is an understudied sector and encounters various challenges and limitations, including societal concerns regarding honeybees' stings and the need for suitable apiary sites. Therefore, the study aims to investigate beekeeping practices and its contribution to food security. The research design applied was cross-sectional. A two-stage sampling technique was applied to select 176 household heads. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used in the study. The demographic, socioeconomic, and food security status of beekeepers were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The multiple linear regression model and ordered Probit model were conducted to identify determinants of beekeeping practice and to analyze the role of beekeeping in food security respectively. The result showed that family size, market information, and access to forage have a significant relationship with beekeepers’ quantity of honey produced. The ordered probit model result showed that producing a high amount of honey enables beekeepers to achieve food security and the amount of honey production has a positive contribution to food security. Addressing the factors that restrict beekeeping practices can have a positive effect on beekeepers' incomes and greatly contribute to food and nutrition security. Public and private actors must focus on preserving habitats, promoting policies benefiting pollinators, and facilitating market connections. The Addis Ababa city administration needs to develop market infrastructure, promote agroforestry practices, foster collaboration, and engagement among multiple stakeholders, and adopt sustainable beekeeping in urban areas. These efforts will not only enhance the economic prospects of beekeepers but also have significant benefits for the overall wellbeing of the community in terms of food security and nutrition.
Urban Agriculture and Food Security: The Case of Vegetables Production in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-04) Habtamu Serbessa; Teferee Makonnen (PhD); Meskerem Abi (PhD)
The world, including Ethiopia, is experiencing an unprecedented era of urbanization. By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion, with 70% residing in cities, mainly in low- and middle-income nations. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the escalating climate crisis urge us to reconsider our food production and distribution methods. In response, urban agriculture has gained prominence as a means to transform the global food system. This shift seeks to improve access to and the availability of nutritious food, create income opportunities, and contribute to community rebuilding as part of resilience efforts. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the status, challenges, and potential opportunities of urban agriculture and food security in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a specific focus on vegetable production. This study investigated several research questions by describing what farmers do (descriptive methods) and analyzing why they do so (analytical methods). To achieve this goal, the study used a variety of tools, such as SWOT analysis (identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), force field analysis (analyzing driving and restraining forces), and scales to measure food insecurity (Household Food Insecurity Access Scale) and dietary intake (Food Consumption Score). Finally, a statistical method (regression model) was used to pinpoint the factors affecting food security and how much of an impact these factors have on the likelihood of household experiencing food insecurity. The findings showed that most farmers grow vegetables through rivers, not only for easy watering but also to protect the river's health. These vegetable gardens are close to their homes and focus on leafy greens such as kale and lettuce. Most farmers grow vegetables for both their own families and for sale. Interestingly, more than 70% of the people involved in urban farming were fairly new to it, having less than five years of experience. This suggests a large increase in the ability to grow vegetables in cities within this area. Most of them saw this growth as positive because they not only provided households with fresh, healthy food but also lowered their grocery bills and offered income-generating opportunities. These improvements ultimately led to better food security and dietary intake. However, a study revealed a concerning reality within the study area. A significant portion of the population struggles with food insecurity and may not be consuming a balanced diet. While the majorities achieve an acceptable level of food consumption, there is a need to address the challenges faced by those experiencing borderline or poor dietary intake. Safe housing, job opportunities, and stable family structures (such as marriage) were linked to better food security in the study. xiii While a skilled workforce, good conditions, motivated farmers, and government support could boost urban farming, the sector faces challenges. These include limited land, unclear rules, poor soil, trouble obtaining supplies, hot markets, lack of training, and weak support. Transportation issues and a public unaware of the benefits add to the struggles. To address these challenges and improve sector productivity and profitability, this study recommends the need for a socially and economically oriented dualistic urban agriculture framework. This plan would focus on helping farmers use resources better, reach markets more easily, and create a supportive environment. The study also recommends connecting farmers with research and extension services to introduce and use new technologies effectively. This could significantly improve urban agriculture in the region.
Food Security, Dietary Diversity, Coping Strategies and Wash Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Internally Displaced Households Settled In Sululta Sub City, Oromia Region
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-10) Lensa Abi; Mogessie Ashenafi (Professor); Meskerem Abi (PhD)
Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) often struggle to meet basic needs such as food, water, and sanitation. This study assessed the food security, coping strategies, dietary diversity, and knowledge, attitude, and practice of water, sanitation, and hygiene among internally displaced households in Sululta Sub city. Data were collected through surveys with a total of 226 randomly selected IDPs households, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using descriptive statistics in STATA for Windows 13. In addition, food security status was analyzed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), household dietary diversity scale (HDDS), coping strategies, and Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) knowledge, attitude and practice. The study found that the majority of respondents (79%) were female heads of households responsible for food preparation and water-related activities. The HFIAS result indicated that only 8% of households were food secure, while 56% faced severe food insecurity, implying. the prevalence of food insecurity in the study area. Furthermore, the HDDS result showed low dietary diversity among the study households with 52% of households consuming fewer than three food groups. Common coping strategies included skipping meals, reducing portion sizes, and relying on cheaper or less-preferred food items. The study further revealed low WASH knowledge, attitudes and practices; only 24.2% had adequate sanitation knowledge, 30.3% had a positive attitude towards WASH, and 33.6% practiced proper hygiene. The findings revealed that awareness of critical times for handwashing and the causes of diarrhea was limited, with only 26% of respondents knowing the correct preparation of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). Although 57% of the respondents perceived the water quality as good, only 21% were satisfied with the drainage system. The findings highlight the severe food insecurity and low dietary diversity among IDPs. Recommendations include stabilizing food markets, developing strategies to address urban household food insecurity, and creating job opportunities. Enhancing WASH knowledge and practices, particularly regarding handwashing and diarrhea prevention, is also crucial.
The Role of Urban Agriculture in Household Food Security in Addis Ababa: Case Study in Lemi-Kura Sub-City
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Alemseged Hailemariam; Sitotaw Haile (PhD)
Improving food accessibility in urban areas where household food security is reliant on household income necessitates job opportunities and a well-oiled grocery store chain. The study was conducted to examine the role of urban agriculture to the household food security of urban farmers in Lemi-kura subcity, Addis Ababa. The study employed mixed quantitative and qualitative research methods. Additionally, given the goal of the study is to determine the link between its dependent variables, it was also said to have an explanatory design. This study design aimes to comprehensively understand the phenomenon by investigating the underlying roles, relationships, and factors contributing to its implementation of UA. Both primary and secondary data were employed in the investigation. The community-based crosssectional study was carried out by the researcher. To make sure sample is representative of the population, a purposive sampling technique was employed to ensure that the sample wereda’s are representative of the population. The data collection tools were questionnaires, interviews, observation, and FGD to obtain important data on the role of UA and HH food security. The results of the study show that 61.5% of respondents reported being food secure, whereas 10.9% reported being moderately food insecure and 27.4% reported being slightly food insecure. About 83.5% of respondents said urban agriculture helped them with marketing and met their daily food needs, while the remaining respondents said it wasn't enough to meet their daily food needs. In response, almost 75.7% of participants stated that UA assisted them in purchasing food for themselves, while 24.3% stated that it is difficult to purchase food on the market. According to 46% of respondents, urban agriculture provided them with temporary and permanent job opportunities. Furthermore, 34.7% of respondents reported their land was tiny, and 65% said their land was medium-sized and utilized for farming. The results of the ordinal logistic regression model showed that major independent variables were statistically significant. These are household food security: age, family size, formal education, household head, monthly income, marital status, educational level, primary source of income, farming experience, land access, and market access. Given the prevalence of food insecurity among households involved in urban agriculture, more specific extension assistance and intensification of various forms of urban agriculture are required. The respondent addressed the primary issue during the FGD and KII interview times, which is input supply. In particular, animal feeds and fertilizers are the primary source of the issue; as such, state institutions must support and intervene.
Synergies and Trade-Offs Between Food Security Statuses with Prosopis Juliflora (Sw. Dc.) Invasion and Climate Variability in Middle Awash, Afar Region, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-05) Ameha Tadesse; Degefa Tolossa (PhD); Solomon Tsehaye (PhD); Desalegn Yayeh (PhD)
Prosopis juliflora invasion has become a serious issue in Afar, Ethiopia, particularly affecting the districts of Amibara and Awash-Fentale. This study investigated the interconnected impact of P. juliflora on land use, climate variability, and food security among pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in these areas. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods was employed, involving household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. A total of 438 households were randomly selected for the study. The research also utilized meteorological data from 1988 to 2018.The study found significant land use and land cover changes (LULCC) in both districts. In Amibara, a highly invaded area, there were notable shifts from 1985 to 2021, with an increase in Prosopis-dominated shrubland and concentrated agriculture. In contrast, AwashFentale saw a decrease in bare land dominance, with expansions in agriculture, built-up areas, and shrubland. Climate analysis revealed a declining trend in seasonal and annual rainfall, accompanied by rising temperatures and frequent droughts, exacerbating the food security challenges for pastoral and agro-pastoral households. Econometric analysis indicated that households in invaded areas were more likely to have fewer livestock assets and less access to veterinary and government support services. The Average Treatment Effect estimation showed that households in invaded areas had on average, 1,167 Birr lower annual consumption expenditure compared to those in non-invaded areas. The study found that only 3% of households in invaded areas were food secure, compared to 28% in non-invaded areas. Severe food insecurity was higher in invaded areas (50%) compared to non-invaded areas (43%), while moderate food insecurity affected 47% of households in invaded areas versus 30% in non-invaded ones. The prevalence of food insecurity was significantly higher in Amibara, the Prosopis-invaded district. In conclusion, the invasion of P. juliflora has significantly harmed food security in Afar, reducing livestock, food consumption, and access to essential services. The study calls for immediate action from stakeholders, including private sectors and local administrations, to address the policy implications and mitigate the ongoing threat to food security in this region.
Food Security and Malnutrition among Children with Selected Chronic Illness on Follow up at St. Paul’s Hospital, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Abenezer Admasu; Abebe Haile (PhD)
Children living with chronic disease are at risk for food insecurity but evidence about food insecurity status and its predictors is scarce in this group of population, particularly developing countries like Ethiopia. As a result, the objective of this study was to assess the food security of malnutrition among children with chronic disease on follow up at St. Paul Hospital Millenium Medical College. A Cross-sectional study was conducted from Jan 1 to June 1, 2024 G.C. Data were collected when the patients came for follow up from both the patient/ care taker and chart. Anthropometric data at the time of diagnosis and on follow up were taken from the chart and current anthropometries were measured as per the standard protocol. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 27 and it was subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistics. Accordingly, 332 out of the 414 children with chronic diseases (80.2%) suffer from food insecurity in their respective household. But 319 (77.1%) of them were mild. Only 13 (3.1%) of them suffer from moderate food insecurity. Children with chronic disease who were severely stunted, severely underweight, and severely wasted accounted for 143 (34.5%), 95 (22.9%), and 45 (10.9%) of the participants, respectively. Overall, any kind of stunting, underweight, and wasting was found in 44.9%, 39.8%, and 18.4% of the cases, correspondingly. Though there was no variable significantly associated with food insecurity and malnutrition was higher in children with diabetes (86.5%) and RVI (81.5%). The levels of food insecurity, stunting, underweight, and wasting were higher in children with chronic diseases than the general child population. Therefore, health professionals should be trained to identify food insecurity and malnourishment in under-five children with chronic illnesses and should advise caretakers on nutrition.
The Implications of Self-Help Group Approach to Household Food Security and Women’s Empowerment: The Case of Debre-Markos City and Gozamin District of Amhara Region Northwest Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-04) Adane Yenealem; Degefa Tolossa (PhD); Esubalew Abate (PhD)
Self-Help Group Approach (SHGA) is one of the most applied instruments to individually, psychologically, socially, economically, and politically equip marginalized people. Its origin is from the West and predominantly applied in the East (Asian countries like India). SHGA mainly focuses on organizing destitute persons into small groups and facilitate regular meeting, saving, internal lending, training, exposure visits, rotational leadership and empowerment. Every human being has an inborn potential. That innate potential must be well cultivated, nurtured, and guided in the right direction through formal, non-formal, and informal education, training, coaching, and guidance. Though the SHGA is expanding in terms of geographical coverage and the size of direct beneficiaries in Ethiopia, there is inadequate research on the implications of the approach to household food security and women’s decision-making power. Hence, this dissertation has studied the food security status households. Moreover, it identified the determinants of household food security, and the levels and differentials of the decision-making power of women organized and not organized in self-help groups in the study areas. For this dissertation, socio-economic, demographic, food security, and women empowerment data were collected from 492 women aged 24-49 years old. The study followed concurrent mixed approaches. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources, had organized, analyzed, and synthesized. Relevant data analysis techniques were employed to analyze the household food security status, to identify household food security determinants and determine the levels and differentials of women’s decision-making powers. The findings revealed that 25.7% and 36.1% of the selfhelp group members were food secure and mildly food insecure respectively. On the other hand, 16.9% and 31.7% of the respondents that were not organized in the self-help groups were food secure and mildly food insecure respectively. Similarly, the outputs of the months of adequate household food provisioning show that 42.9% of the self-help group members and 37.6% of the respondents that were not organized in the self-help groups were the least food insecure. Furthermore, the household dietary diversity score result found that 63.2% of the self-help group members and 31.3% of the respondents who were not organized in self-help groups had suitable dietary diversity. The study revealed that age, marriage, education, membership in health insurance, training on business development and harmful practices, child protection and gender equality, access to loans from self-help groups, and availability of small ruminants were statistically significantly associated with the household food security of selfhelp group members. Similarly, membership in health insurance, availability of electrical appliances, and ownership of ornaments were significantly associated with the food security of households who were not organized. Furthermore, women organized in self-help groups were able to attain significantly higher scores of empowerment than women who were not organized. In conclusion, households organized in self-help groups were found better in terms of food security status, levels of women’s decision-making power, and ability to resist food security shocks than households that were not organized in self-help groups. The findings imply the huge potential of the self-help group approach to promote the capabilities of individuals. In the future, in-depth, comprehensive, and large-scale (i.e., regional and national) studies are suggested.
Solid Waste Management through Composting Approach and Its Contribution on Households’ Income and Food Security Situations, - in Bisoftu City, Gara Beru Village
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-12) Robel Ayalew; Amare Bantider (PhD)
A developing country like Ethiopia does not begin to see the economic benefits of solid waste yet; they even dump the solid waste in unauthorized sites. Effective management of household solid waste through composting mechanisms can have paramount significance for agricultural crop production. The objective of this research work was to assess the contribution of solid waste management through composting approach to urban households‘income and food security situations in Gara Beru village of BIshoftu City. Data from 102 households that were chosen using the purposive sample method were gathered using a cross-sectional survey design. In order to gather the necessary information for addressing the required research objectives, questionnaires, personal observation, interviews, and focus group discussions were used. Data gathered through surveys, and interviews were examined using IBM SPSS version 20. The research findings showed that households refuse to pay for waste collection services and a lack of services led to rubbish being thrown on streets, in open areas, and near lakes. Some of the actions seen in the community of the research region to reduce solid waste disposed from the households were preparing the compost pit, sorting household solid waste, and putting the waste in the compost pit. Farmers in the hamlet employed compost to grow flowers, fruits, and other garden commodities because composting has a substantial impact on agricultural production. Using descriptive statics, the impact of composting on household income and food security was calculated and its impact on composting as solid waste management approach found to be the most important determinant factor for the production of cereal/crops for ongoing community food security challenges. The findings from the HFAIS model indicate that a majority of the participants who used compost had a higher level of food security (91.1%) compared to those who did not use compost (79.1%). This suggests that utilizing compost in an organic manner is an effective and promising strategy to improve household food security in the study area. At the same time, there is a strong relation evidence that support use of organic compost versus food security, with chi-square result of (87.100a), df=1, p<.005, which is 0.00. Hence, the result can best describe using compost organically was greatly acceptable and is a good start up approach to households‘ food security situations in the study area. A suggested solution is to creating an enabling environment to address constraints hindering increased compost production via integrated MSW management practices in the study area.
Food Security Situation of Urban Expantion Induced Displaced Female Headed Households in Peri-Urban Areas of Legatafo Town, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Naomi Berhanu; Temesgen Tilahun (PhD)
This study is conducted in Oromia Regional State, Finfinne surrounding a special zone of Legatafo town, to examine the impact of urban expansion on induced displaced female-headed households. A multistage sampling procedure was used to get 162 sample households from Legatafo town of four kebeles. To gather the required information for the study questions, data were collected through both primary and secondary sources and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Further, food security indicators such as Food gap months, Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Copying Strategy Index were used to measure the continuum of food insecurity experienced by the sample households. The study employ ordered logit regression model used to determine socio-demographic and economic factors that have significant impact on the food security status of the displaced female-headed households. The descriptive result indicated that in the context of Legatafo town, socio-demographic and economic variables such as the age of the head of the household, the educational level of the head of the household, family size, non-agricultural incomes, and large and small livestock ownership don’t significantly impact the food security of sample households. On the other hand, agricultural land size, annual crop production, food aid, remittances, and the sickness of the head of the household have a significant impact on the food security situation of the household. The results of the ordered logistic regression model showed that out of the thirteen explanatory variables feed into the model; six variables were identified as having a significant impact on the food security of the target female-headed households. Annual crop production, ownership of large livestock, and agricultural land size were found to be positively correlated with the displaced female-headed household’s food security.
Determinants of Technology Adoption in Micro and Small Enterprises and Its Contribution to Food Security the Case of Entoto Cluster Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-11) Yishak Abera; Admasu Shibru (PhD)
The objective of the research is to examine the determinants of technology adoption in micro and small enterprises and its contribution to food security the case of Entoto Cluster Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to draw 256 sample households from two Woreda and four kebeles. The kebeles were selected in random sampling procedure and within the Entoto cluster Colleges. Sample micro and small enterprise heads were grouped in two strata (adopters and non-adopters). To analyze the data both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to characterize and analyze technology adoption and food security status of the households. Household food insecurity access scale was employed to examine the food security status of the sample households. The statistical models namely, binary logistic regression and ordered logistic regression were employed to determine factors affecting the technology adoption, to analyze the impact of technology adoption on household food security respectively. The binary probit result revealed that, Education status of micro small enterprise heads, saving access, total annual income and training access of micro small enterprise heads affects the technology adoption positively; while expenditure of firms affected negatively technology adoption. According to the results of ordered logit, technology transfer and adoption has a positive impact on household food security. In terms of household food insecurity access scale, the impact of technology adoption on micro and small enterprise head food security has an effect on the household food security. The study concludes that technological adoption has a significant impact on household food security. Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that micro small enterprise heads awareness and perceptions be improved by training, as well as interventions that address technology transfer and adoption obstacles.
Agricultural Drought and Food Security Status: The Case of Misrak Belesa Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-11) Fasil Awol; Amare Bantider (PhD)
Agricultural drought reduces soil moisture content and limits crop water availability and impacts agricultural food production, food security and socioeconomic development. The main objectives of this study were to investigate agricultural drought and its effects on household food security, examine perception of households and asses current status of food security and its determinants in Misrak Belesa woreda. Quantitative research approach and cross-sectional study design were used to generate data. Agricultural drought quantification using meteorological data and Standardized Precipitation Index at one- and three-month time scales were computed using Standardized Precipitation Index Generator software. Household Food Balance sheet model was used to investigate food security status. A total of 402 households were surveyed to generate data. Binary logistic regression model was used to examine the relationship between food security status and its determinants. The study found wide spread prevalence (89%) of food insecurity among study households. The result of the binary logistic regression model indicated that seven of the independent variables including credit amount, number of donkeys, number of oxen, agronomic practices, soil conservation practices, farm size, and age of household heads had positive coefficients (B>0) indicating a positive correlation and family size had a negative coefficient (B <0) indicating a negative correlation with food security status. Monthly agricultural drought event for rainy months was observed in 40 months from 1981 to 2018. Seasonal agricultural drought for Belg and Kiremt seasons was observed for 20 and 16 years respectively from 1981 to 2018. Overall, the study found that recurrent agricultural drought is the most prevalent natural hazard that made households vulnerable. Key policy recommendation that need to be addressed by all actors and policy makers is forwarded.
Determinants of Food Security Status of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patients: Evidence from Menelik II Hospital, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-09) Fekede Melaku; Solomon Tsehay (PhD)
The fact that food insecurity is a critical problem among individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus initiated us to conduct an investigation on this issue. The objective of the study was to examine food security status and its determinants in individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus and actively attending antiretroviral therapy at Menelik II Hospital, Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 262 adult patients. These respondents were selected from the study population using a systematic random sampling technique. Food security status and its determinants were assessed using two types of food insecurity measures such as Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and using Dietary Diversity Score. The socio-demographic data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire during individual interviews. An ordered logistic regression model was employed to determine the effects of various independent factors over the dependent variable or food security status of respondents. The prevalence of food insecurity was found to be high in the study population. The result revealed that, out of 262 respondents, about 56.8% of them were severely food insecure whereas 13 %, 12.6% and 17.6 were categorized under rarely food insecure, mild food insecure and moderately food insecure respectively. Besides this, the severity of food insecurity was 60.3% in male and 53.6% among female respondents. Regarding to the dietary diversity score, the result revealed that, majority of the respondents (approximately 46%) were scored low levels of dietary diversity in the last 24 hours at the time of the study. The regression analysis result indicated that, all of the independent variables such as sex, age, marital status, family size, education and income level significantly influenced the food security status of the study population at P-value<0.05. The study also highlights the importance of food security and nutrition programming as an integral part of health and socio-economic well-being. Food insecurity is an emerging problem among people living with human immunodeficiency syndrome. This population group should be focused on measures to improve food security intervention program at all level. Moreover, efforts should be made to address the burden of food insecurity taking into account the identified determinants of food security status in the target population.
Livelihoods Coping Mechanisms of Solid Waste Collapse Induced Displaced Households: The Case of Reppie Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-06) Tigist Misganaw; Temesgen Tilahun (PhD)
In developing countries urban poor are forced to concentrate on physically dangerous sites which are closed to industrial facilities, toxic waste, solid waste dumps, which are susceptible to landslides and flooding. Ethiopia has also encountered collapse of mountain of solid waste in the capital Addis Ababa which claim the life of the many individuals and destruction of the property, and displaced many households from new resettlement areas. Displaced households often lose assets when they are forced to flee their home and land. They may also be unable to pursue their former work, leading to unemployment, underemployment or informal work, and a significant drop in income. Livelihood loss may lead to reduced access to food and an increase in malnutrition. The main aim of this research is to identify livelihood coping mechanisms applied in Reppie solid waste collapse induced displace in Addis Ababa. By taking a systematic randomly selected sample of 223 households from four new resettlement areas. Mixed research approach was employed and triangulation was vital method of converging concurrently collected data through survey, and FGDs. The data were analyzed using frequency tables, percentage, logistic regression and chi-square test. And livelihood coping capacity status was also ranked using Coping Strategy Index weighting calculation developed by World Food Program (WFP). The outcome of the study indicates that 38.1 % of displaced HHs are face food shortage or money to buy food for so that they engaged Livelihood coping strategies (LCS). Based on LCS standard, it is found that HHs using Neutral coping strategies 4.7%, Stress coping strategies is 52.9%, crisis is 12.9% and 29.9% is emergency coping strategies. The four most applied LCS strategies are 54.7% purchased food on credit or borrow food, 48.8% sold household goods or assets, 46.5% spent their saving and 46.5 % also reduce nonfood expenses (health, education, social events). The most severe strategy is begging practiced by 8.8% HHs. In the bi-variate logistic regression, the engagement of Livelihood based coping strategies is associated with age of household ages, education status, access to credit, size of households, income source type and ownership of house. Finally, recommend that an emergency food support should carry out and parallel initiate livelihood developmental interventions so as to avert the consequence of coping strategies. As well as develop resilience capacity at time of shock or stress.
Livelihood Strategies, Food Security Status and Coping Strategies among Internally Displaced Persons Resettled in Gelan Town, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-12) Tofik Abajebal; Temesgen Tilahun (PhD)
This study was conducted to assess livelihood strategies, food security status and coping strategies among internally displaced persons (IDPs) resettled in Gelan town of Oromia during 2018. House to house survey was conducted for quantitative data collection from randomly selected households. Qualitative data was collected from 10 purposively selected Key Informant Interviews. The data was analyzed using statical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. The result of this study indicated only 14.4% of internally displaced persons resettled in the study area were food secure while 43.1%,12% and 30.6 were mildly, moderately, and severely food insecure respectively. Household dietary diversity score indicated only 2.9% were in low dietary diversity level. From coping strategy index finding 8.6% and 2.9% of this resettled IDPs practiced severe and very severe coping strategies. Binary logistic regression results reviled that income of household, education level, family size, level of dietary diversification, and availability of private tap water at were significantly associated with food security status of resettled IDPs. The findings also indicated as food security measuring methods used in this were significantly correlated with each other. The overall findings indicated more than half of participant households were in food secure and mildly insecure condition. Livelihood strategies mainly relies on daily based jobs. The integration to local community were good status. This study recommends for Gelan town administration to arrange additional job opportunities in sustainable manner and focusing on capacity building for those permanently resettled IDPs for improvement of their livelihood status and ensure their food security.

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