Teferi, Getachew2018-12-152023-11-182018-12-152023-11-182018-11http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/15133Food insecurity has been a big challenge for Ethiopia in general, and the study area in particular. The problem is getting more complicated when coupled with the unprecedented occurrence of climate variability. Most empirical studies conducted so far employed a single indicator to measure the food insecurity situation that may give only a partial view and neglect to consider especially the social vulnerability aspect of the people concerned. To fill these gaps, a mixed methods research approach was adopted to collect both quantitative and qualitative data and to offset the weaknesses of using either approaches. A total of 397 rural households were selected through systematic sampling technique with a 95% confidence interval from six purposely selected kebeles. Data analyses were conducted using techniques that suit the variables and themes considered. It was found that the overwhelming majority of the households have noticed changes in temperature and rainfall. Owing to these facts, households reported reduced yields, complete crop failure, and shortage of water both for animals and people as perceived consequences. So that they pursued various adaptation strategies that encompass crop management and land management related strategies, and diversification into non-farm activities. However, their attempts were constrained by barriers which include financial constraint, shortage of land, lack of water, lack of access to modern inputs, and interference of the rural households by brokers. Likewise, the findings show that more than half (52.6%) of the total households were highly vulnerable to food insecurity. Relatedly, statistically significant difference (p<1%) was observed across the sample kebeles in terms of their levels of vulnerability. With regards to food insecurity situation, the suite of indicators employed revealed that large majority of households were found to be food insecure, despite some differences across the indicators. To make matters worse, respondents that account about 56.9% had no access to safe drinking water; 46.1% did not have their own latrine; and 64.0% of the respondents disposed waste in an open field and in their garden. Furthermore, results on the causes of the prevailing food insecurity also showed the existence of multiple causes which are reinforcing each other and influencing at different levels. It is believed that institutions, both formal and informal, have critical roles to play in curbing problems of food insecurity. Yet, results of the study showed that the institutions played unsatisfactory roles. In conclusion, it can be said that the recurrent drought was depleting the meager resources at the disposal of households which make them more vulnerable to food insecurity. Besides, the multiple causes of food insecurity coupled with the existence of an array of barriers to adaptation could further complicate matters. Thus, attention should be given to all these interwoven factors and work in collaborative manner so that lasting solutions could be provided to resolve problems of food insecurity. Keywords: Adaptation strategies; Climate variability; Food insecurity; Institutions; Perception; Vulnerability; Rural households; EthiopiaenThesis