Determinants of Food Security: The Case of Kurmuk District in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

This study analyzed the determinants of food security in the case of Kurmuk district. The study used multi stages sampling techniques to draw representative households. To analyze the data descriptive statistics, Foster, Greer and Thorbeck model and binary logit model were used. The Foster, Greer and Thorbeck food insecurity index was employed to examine the extent and severity of food insecurity. It revealed that 43.6% of the sample households live below food security line with food insecurity gap and food insecurity severity index of 0.0875 and 0.0352 respectively. Among the sixteen explanatory variables that are included in the binary logit model livestock ownership excluding oxen, oxen ownership, cultivated land size, non-farm income, extension contact and household head educational status showed a significant and positive effect on food security. Whereas household sizes in adult equivalent and household head age have a negative and significant effect on food security. The empirical findings suggest that special attention should be given to improving crop and livestock market, veterinary services, health services, agricultural technologies and creation of awareness on family planning. Interventions like capacity building, agricultural research, agricultural marketing as well as infrastructures that enhance nonfarm activities in sustainable manner need to be designed to reduce food insecurity prevalence in the study area.