Assessment of Farmers' Access to Flood Forecast Information and its Impact on Household Food Security in Ilu Woreda, Upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Flooding is a significant natural hazard in Ethiopia, particularly affecting rural agricultural communities. Floods damage crops and infrastructure and worsen food insecurity by disrupting livelihoods. The absence of timely flood forecast information further heightens vulnerability. This study assesses farmers’ access to flood forecast information and its impact on household food security in the flood-prone Ilu Woreda. A mixed-method descriptive research design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative data were collected from 309 households selected randomly from the Wererso Kelina and Mulo Satay kebeles using structured questionnaires. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s modified formula, yielding a proportional representation of households. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions to gain deeper insights into community perceptions and responses to flood forecast information. Data were analyzed using statistical methods, including descriptive analysis, logistic regression for quantitative data, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing access to flood forecast information and its impact on food security, with variables such as education, gender, access to media devices, and farm size. The study found that 75.7% of households did not receive any flood forecast information ahead of flooding events, and access to such information was influenced by the level of education, gender, and ownership of media devices. Households led by male heads and those with higher education levels were more likely to have access to forecast information. Despite 42.4% of households possessing at least one media device, only a small proportion utilized these devices to receive flood forecast information. Among households with access to forecast information, 68% reported that it helped them to take flood preparedness measures. Households with access to flood forecast information were found to be 90% less likely to experience food insecurity. The study also revealed high levels of food insecurity, with 78% of households categorized as moderately food insecure. The impact of floods on agricultural output, coupled with limited access to flood forecasts, contributed significantly to the food insecurity levels in the region. Constrained access to flood forecast information recommends that stakeholders involved in disseminating forecast information assess their communication approaches in a manner that messages reach and have an impact on end users in vulnerable areas.
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Keywords
Flooding, significant natural hazard