Food Security Status and Coping Mechanism of Internally Displaced Household in Burayu Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
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Date
2022-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigated the food security status and coping mechanisms of Internally Displaced People (IDP) in Burayu Town, Ethiopia. To acquire quantitative data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, 179 randomly chosen households were interviewed, including food consumption scores, coping mechanisms, and food security behaviors. Stat version 14 software was used for both descriptive statistics and econometric analysis. Furthermore, chi-square analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the predictor variables and food security status. About 7.2% of IDPs were reported to be food secured, while 29%, 38.5%, and 25.3% were classified as mildly food insecure, moderately food insecure and severely food insecure. The study found that the education level of the household head, family size, dependency and monthly income of the household head has a significant effect on the food security status of the IDP. On the other hand, the Food Consumption Score (FCS) of households reveals that 34.10 % of households consumed poor food types, 52.04% of households consumed borderline foods, and 13.78% consumed acceptable food. However, IDP families adopt diverse strategies to cope with food insecurity. The findings show all households implemented dietary changes as a response to moderate food shortages. In severe conditions of food shortages, borrowing food from neighbors or begging from the community were implemented by households. The survey found that most households predominantly consumed food based on essential grains, while little or no animal products, fruits, or vegetables were consumed. Finally, the study found that most IDP households lacked well-established and consistent income sources. Based on the findings of this study, food aid programs should be in place. The town municipality should provide facilities such as shades, small shops, and market space for IDP households. Generally, Burayu town municipality should be more focused on these IDP households to assist them in building sustainable livelihood income.
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IDP households, food security, determinants, coping strategies, Burayu Town.