Food Security Status of Female-Headed Households in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract This article aims to explore the food security status of female-headed households and its determinant factors in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. To that end, the article used both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, as well as multistage sampling techniques and blending both descriptive and econometric statistics during data analysis. The findings depicted that 40.97% of female-head households were food secure, 15.97% of female headed households were mildly food insecure, 18.75% were highly food insecure, and 24.31% were severely food insecure. The study also involves demographic, socioeconomic, and institutional factors that had a substantial impact on food security in female-headed households in the study area. Finally, the study advised that rural female-headed families receive special care and support in order to improve their livelihoods and food security status, and that livestock holding and cultivated land size play an important role in boosting food security.