Agricultural Drought and Food Security Status: The Case of Misrak Belesa Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
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Date
2022-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
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.
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Keywords
agricultural drought, food security, perception, Misrak Belesa, Ethiopia