Seasonal differences in household food insecurity in Sidama Zone, southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigated seasonal changes in food insecurity in a rural community in Sidama southern Ethiopia. A longitudinal survey of 36 households was conducted in July of 2008 and January of 2009. Anthropometric and sociodemographic data as well as blood samples were collected along with administration of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Body Mass Index (BMI) was not different by season. Although in both seasons the mean HFIAS category was overall “mildly food insecure”, the mean score in July was significantly higher than after the harvest in January (8.8 vs 3.6). In July, the season of greater food insecurity, zinc was lower (p <0.01) and albumin was related to the household's food storage (r = .40, p <0.02). The α1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP), a measure of chronic inflammation, was negatively associated with albumin (r = −.91, p <0.0001) and with the household's food storage (r = −.42, p <0.02). The husband's education also was correlated with the household food storage (r = .45, p <0.005). The HFIAS scores in both July and January were negatively associated (r = −0.36 and −0.48, respectively, p <0.03) with the household's ownership of enset plants, an indigenous drought‐resistant plant in southern Ethiopia. In this study, the HFIAS questionnaire captured seasonal variation in food supply; in addition several socio‐economic factors significantly influenced food insecurity (Supported by Hawassa University and Oklahoma State University and Swiss National Science Foundation).