Multiple indicators-based assessment of rural food security status in landslide-prone areas of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Landslide hazards significantly threaten rural communities, impacting various aspects of livelihoods, including food security. The Gamo Highlands in southern Ethiopia is vulnerable to landslide hazards. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effect of landslide hazards on rural households’ food security status in the Gacho Baba district, Gamo Highlands, southern Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed approach, to collect and analyze data collected from 289 households, community leaders, and early warning and food security experts. Purposive and multistage sampling techniques were deployed. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Food Consumption Score (FCS), and Reducing Coping Strategies Index (RCSI) were food in/security indicators used. The HFIAS reveals significant worries regarding stable access and availability of food, with 62% of sample households categorized as mildly, moderately, and severely food-insecure. FCS indicates prevalent challenges in achieving adequate food consumption levels among the surveyed households, with a significant portion falling into the poor consumption category (51.3%). while the investigation of coping strategies using RCSI categorized (53.3%) of study samples into high coping strategies. The study also reveals varying levels of awareness and preparedness among households, with a significant proportion expressing uncertainty about landslide occurrence and prevention mechanisms. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational and awareness initiatives, as well as comprehensive risk reduction strategies, to enhance household resilience and safeguard food security in landslide-prone areas.