Analysis of Pastoral Livelihoods Diversification and Food Security in Assaita and Afambo Woredas, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia
| dc.contributor.advisor | Temesgen Tilahun (PhD) | |
| dc.contributor.author | Fisseha Abenet | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-08-16T11:12:04Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-08-16T11:12:04Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-02 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Livelihood diversification is a key strategy for enhancing food security in pastoral and agropastoral communities. This study explored the structure of pastoral livelihoods, determinants of diversification, and associated food security outcomes. Mixed methods were employed, including focus groups, key informant interviews, and analytical tools such as Simpson’s Livelihood Diversity Index (SLDI), Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and Food Consumption Score (FCS). Quantitative analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics: multinomial logistic regression, Firth’s penalized logit, Probit regression, and Weighted Propensity Score Analysis. Primary livelihood activities included livestock production (51%), crop production (6%), labor (4%), small businesses (8%), miscellaneous income (56%), and remittances (34%). Based on income, SLDI was low (76%), moderate (22%), and high (2%); based on expense, it was low (58%), moderate (28%), and high (13%), suggesting expense as a more sensitive proxy for identifying diversification. Probit regression indicated that access to irrigation, goat ownership, and larger farm size increased diversification likelihood by 12%, 13%, and 10.9%, respectively (p < 0.05). A reduced model highlighted irrigation (17%), miscellaneous income (35.5%), and farm size (9.6%) as significant contributors (p < 0.05). Although crop production, small businesses, and miscellaneous income had high marginal effects, they were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Age, gender, and TLU had weak negative effects. The full Probit model explained 96.8% of the variance in diversification, with 90.4% sensitivity and 98.5% specificity. Firth’s penalized logistic regression found significant positive effects from crop farming (16.5), livestock production (7.6), small businesses (7.3), miscellaneous activities (11.0), and PSNP participation (p < 0.05). HFIAS indicated mild (42%) and moderate (11%) food insecurity with no severe cases. FCS showed poor (55%), borderline (39%), and acceptable (6%) consumption. While diversification showed no significant effect on HFIAS (p > 0.05), it significantly improved FCS by 4.8 units (p < 0.05; R² = 0.038). In conclusion, households showed low income and diversification levels with generally poor food security. Diversification did not significantly affect food access (HFIAS) but had a positive impact on dietary quality (FCS). Enhancing off-farm enterprises and optimizing existing livelihood streams, particularly crop and livestock production, can improve diversification, though it alone does not ensure food security across all measures. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/6804 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Addis Ababa University | |
| dc.subject | pastoralism | |
| dc.subject | livelihoods | |
| dc.subject | diversification | |
| dc.subject | income | |
| dc.subject | food security | |
| dc.title | Analysis of Pastoral Livelihoods Diversification and Food Security in Assaita and Afambo Woredas, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia | |
| dc.type | Thesis |