Analysis of Households Food Insecurity in the Face of Climate Variability: Evidence from North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Food insecurity is more worrisome now than ever before due to unprecedented climate variability and widespread rural poverty. Research-based and policy relevant empirical evidence is crucial to design strategies to address food insecurity in the face of climate variability. Thus, this study examines the status of food insecurity among households’ and its determinants in North Shewa Zone of Amhara Region using cross-sectional data collected from 382 sample households. Households’ food insecurity status was determined by comparing the total calorie available for consumption per adult equivalent to the minimum level of subsistence requirement per adult equivalent of 2200 kcal. Logistic regression model was used to identify factors that influence food insecurity status of households in the study area. Accordingly, the results of the study show that majority (56.28%) of the sample households in the study area were food insecure. In addition, results revealed that age, literacy, cultivated land size, soil fertility status, number of oxen owned and irrigation water use were the major factors negatively associated with food insecurity. In contrast, sex, household size, distance to the main market and rainfall variability have increased the probability of being food insecure. The findings imply that majority of the households are food insecure where its improvement can be addressed through appropriate policy, institutional and technological options.