Determinants Of Household Food Insecurity Research Articles

Integrated modelling of the determinants of household food insecurity during the 2020–2021 COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda

BackgroundThe determinants of household food insecurity (HFI) do not act in isolation, and are known to be complex, stochastic, nonlinear, and multidimensional. Despite this being especially true in periods of shocks, studies that focus on integrated modelling of the HFI determinants during the COVID-19 lockdown are scarce, with no available evidence on Uganda. The main objective of this study was to develop Bayesian belief network (BBN) models to analyse, rank, and illustrate the conceptual reasoning, and complex causal relationships among the determinants of HFI during the COVID-19 lockdown. This study was based on seven rounds of Uganda’s High-Frequency Phone Surveys data sets collected during the lockdown. A total of 15,032 households, 17 independent determinants of HFI, and 8 food security indicators were used in this study. Metrics of sensitivity, and prediction performance were used to evaluate models’ accuracy.ResultsEight BBN models were developed for each food insecurity indicator. The accuracy rates of the models ranged between 70.5% and 93.5%, with an average accuracy rate of 78.5%, indicating excellent predictive performance in identifying the determinants of HFI correctly. Our results revealed that approximately 42.2% of the sampled households (n = 15,032) in Uganda were worried about not having enough food. An estimated 25.2% of the respondents reported skipping a meal, while 32.1% reported consuming less food. Less than 20% of the households experienced food shortage, hunger, or having nothing to eat. Overall, 30.6% of the households were food insecure during the lockdown. The top five ranked determinants of HFI were identified as follows: (1) households’ inability to produce enough food; (2) households’ inability to buy food; (3) reduced household income; (4) limited cash assistance, and (5) households’ inability to stock adequate food supplies.ConclusionsRanking, rather than the statistical significance of the determinants of HFI, is crucial as an approach to applied research, as it helps stakeholders determine how to allocate resources for targeted interventions within the constraints of limited funding. These findings emphasize the importance of intervening on the most highly ranked determinants of HFI to enhance the resilience of local food systems, and households’ capacity to cope with recurring and unforeseen shocks.

Examining the effect of demographic and socioeconomic factors on household food insecurity in Lideta subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Food security and vulnerability assessments in Ethiopia have traditionally focused on rural regions. In contemporary policy discussions, urban food security has garnered significant attention. Notably, there is a lack of empirical substantiation of urban food security and its impact on the livelihoods of city dwellers as they grapple with escalating food prices. The present study aims to determine the extent of household food insecurity and identify correlated factors among 692 households in three randomly selected Woredas (districts) within Lideta sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Six Ketenas (villages) were selected using a probability proportional-to-size technique from three Woredas between February and March of 2023. Data were collected through a validated survey administered by trained individuals, and household income and expenditure were used to measure food insecurity access. Chi-square (χ2) and logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with food insecurity in the region. The overall prevalence of household food insecurity in the study area was found to be 66.5%. Regression results indicate that seven of the hypothesized nine demographic and socioeconomic determinants of household food insecurity significantly influence the probability of experiencing food insecurity (p < 0.05). Household food expenditure, household dependency ratio, age, sex, educational status of the household head, access to savings and credit, and the urban productive safety net program were identified as significant determinants of urban household food insecurity. This study underscores that food insecurity in Ethiopia is not limited to rural areas but also affects urban regions, mainly due to high urban poverty rates. Strategies to reduce household size, improve the household dependency ratio, and enhance socioeconomic factors can empower households to build resilience against food insecurity. Policymakers should adopt measures to stabilize the food insecurity improve living standards, and enhance the economic capabilities of urban households.

Household socio-economic determinants of food security in Limpopo Province of South Africa: a cross sectional survey

BackgroundDespite the strong commitment at both national and international levels to eradicate hunger and achieve household food security, by 2030 food insecurity remains a public health problem. South Africa is amongst the countries with the highest rate of income inequality in the world and extremely high levels of absolute poverty. The Gini coefficient in South Africa is estimated at 0.68 Although South Africa may be food secure at a national level, large numbers of households within the country are food insecure approximately 52% of the rural households in Limpopo Province of South Africa were considered severely food insecure. It has been noted that the majority of households in South African informal settlements and rural areas were moderately or severely food insecure due to lack of access to food which was directly related to income. Rural areas have assets that can be explored to support households. The adult population above 18 years in South Africa make up 78% of the 5.9 million population with about 40% living in rural areas, this study explored household food insecurity in adults in rural environments. The current study aimed to explore the socioeconomic and dietary determinants of household food insecurity among the adult population in the Limpopo Province.MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected using a validated pre-tested questionnaire. The participants were recruited from households in Limpopo province. Multiple linear regression was computed to explore the influence of socioeconomic and dietary practices on food insecurity.ResultsThe study included 699 randomly selected participants of which the majority earned a monthly income ≤ 3000 ZAR, and 31.8% experiencing hunger in the past 30 days at the time of study. The dietary practices of the participants were found to be associated with household food insecurity. The study found that large family size, being female in South Africa, low household income and low rate of regular breakfast intake were significant determinants of household food insecurity (p < 0.05).ConclusionIn summary, most of the households were poor and approximately one-third were food insecure. The implementation of sustainable employment policies, and food-based approaches and targeting rural household food production could significantly reduce food insecurity in the rural area.

Validity of Food insecurity experience scale (FIES) for use in rural Bangladesh and prevalence and determinants of household food insecurity: An analysis of data from Bangladesh integrated household survey (BIHS) 2018-2019

“Access” dimension of Food insecurity (FI) is directly measured by the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). The current study assessed the appropriateness of the FIES for measuring FI in rural Bangladesh, followed by an assessment of FI prevalence and its correlates utilizing Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) data. The internal validity of the FIES and the prevalence of FI were investigated using the Rasch modeling approach. We utilized equating procedure to calibrate the study’s result to the global FIES reference scale and determined FI prevalence rates that were comparable across countries. The external validity of the FIES was evaluated by examining its association with other FI measures using Spearman’s rho correlation analysis. With an overall Rasch reliability of 0.84, the FIES met the Rasch model assumptions of conditional independence and equal discrimination, and as well as the fit statistics standards for all eight items. Infit statistics were within the allowed limit for all FIES items indicating good internal validity. However, we noted a high outfit (>2) for the “unable to eat healthy and nutritious food” item indicating the presence of some unusual response patterns. Our analysis found no significant (>0.4) correlation between FIES items. We also found a significant correlation between FIES and other FI proxies, e.g., the Household hunger scale (HHS), Food consumption score (FCS), and Household dietary diversity score (HDDS). Overall, the prevalence of moderate or severe FI was 18.92% in rural Bangladesh. Geographic areas, access to electricity, household ownership, access to sanitation, livestock ownership, family size, education level, and monthly per capita food expenditure significantly explained the variation in FI. Our analyses suggest that the FIES is internally and externally valid for FI measurement in rural Bangladesh. However, FIES questions may need to be reordered to more accurately evaluate lower levels of FI, and the item “unable to eat healthy and nutritious food” may need cognitive testing.

Determinants of Household Food Insecurity and Depression in Mothers: Evidence from Ghana

Background. Household food insecurity (FI) and maternal depression are serious public health problems, especially in low-income countries. The aims of this study were to determine the determinants of household FI and depression in mothers and the association between these constructs in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana. Methods. An analytical, community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data on 364 mothers of under-five children selected using the multistage method in the municipal. Household FI and maternal depression were measured using the FI Experience Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item in personal interviews. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with household FI and maternal depression and the association between these two constructs. Results. The mean age of mothers was 30.1(±6.5) years with almost all practising Islamic religion (96.2%) and were married (96.7%). The prevalence of household FI and maternal depression were 51.6% and 25.3%, respectively. The determinants of household FI were mother’s self-health rating, social support, nutrition knowledge, and household’s source of drinking water, while those of maternal depression were the mother’s work, place of residence, self-health rating, and nutrition knowledge. In multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis, women in food insecure households were about three times more likely than women in food secure households to be depressed (adjusted odds ratio = 2.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.36–4.55; and p = 0.003 ). Conclusion. The current study shows a high prevalence of both household FI and depression in mothers in Savelugu Municipality. Both personal and household characteristics of the women are associated with household FI and maternal depression statuses, and the two constructs are highly correlated. It is recommended to include depression assessment in interventions for FI.

Determinants of household food insecurity and coping strategies in Northern Ghana

Determinants of household food insecurity and coping strategies in Northern Ghana

Türkiye’de Hanehalkı Gıda Güvensizliğinin Dinamikleri

Fundamental needs such as adequate food, clothing, and shelter are the foundation of social well-being. With the increasing world population, the number of undernourished people is also gradually increasing. This situation triggers increased concern that groups with different socioeconomic characteristics in developing countries will not have sufficient access to the food necessary for a healthy life. Consequently, the food insecurity issue has become a global topic of interest. Identifying the determinants of household food insecurity is important to develop policies to eliminate or reduce the significant inequalities in households’ access to food. This study seeks to identify the dynamics of households’ food insecurity in Turkey through Income and Living Conditions Longitudinal Microdata applying the random effects logit model. We found that as education level, health status, and income increase, the likelihood of food insecurity significantly decreases. The probability of food insecurity for males is 4% higher than for females. Education and income are the most influential variables of food insecurity. We also measured the average increase in food insecurity over the years compared to the reference year of 2014. Food insecurity has increased by more than 1.5 over the years in Turkey.

The invisible crisis: the determinants of local food insecurity in Gauteng municipalities, South Africa

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to estimate the determinants of household food insecurity in the Gauteng City-Region, South Africa. This is motivated by the fact that food insecurity remains a key challenge at the household level in South Africa. Furthermore, the Gauteng Province has been rapidly urbanising due to a migrant influx, both locally and internationally. The findings will assist the country in achieving its mandate on the local economic development policy, Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative cross-section design, utilising the binary logistic regression technique, drawing on the Gauteng City-Region Observatory Quality of Life 2020/2021 data, consisting of 13,616 observations, randomly drawn from nine municipalities in Gauteng City-Region.FindingsThe main findings of the study highlight unemployment, health status, education, household size, indigency and income as the main determinants of food insecurity in Gauteng City-Region. Policies towards sustainable urban agriculture, improving access to education, increasing employment and income, and health for all can help improve the food insecurity status of households in the Gauteng City-Region.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies would require an in-depth assessment of household coping mechanisms, as well as the influence of household income (notably government social grants) and access to credit on household food security status, to better understand the dynamics of food security in the Gauteng City-Region.Practical implicationsDeterminants of food insecurity should be considered when developing and implementing policies to reduce food insecurity in urban municipalities.Social implicationsThe study is of interest as it interdicts food insecurity issues, which have an effect on socio-economic well-being.Originality/valueThe study adds value by providing evidence on the determinants of food insecurity in an urban setting in a developing country. Gauteng is the richest of all provinces in South Africa and is also at the receiving end of internal and international migration. Factors affecting food insecurity have changed in the nine cities. This compromises nutrition safety and calls for targeted policy interventions.

Household food insecurity and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age among smallholder farming households in northwest Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Despite Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in agricultural production over the past few decades, household food and nutrition insecurity persist, especially in rural areas. The nutrition security and dietary diversity are even more critical for women of reproductive age among smallholders. This study examined household food insecurity and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age in the rural areas of northwest Bangladesh. Using cross-sectional data collected from 252 smallholder households, we measured household food insecurity and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women, respectively. Determinants of household food insecurity were examined, and associations between household food insecurity and low dietary diversity were determined. The majority of the households were mildly insecure (51.2%) followed by moderately insecure (27.4%). The households felt anxiety of food insecurity for more than six months a year (Food Security Index = 2.10 out of 4.00). The mean food group consumed by women was 4.63 indicating low dietary diversity and dominance of diets by grains and dark green leafy vegetables. The findings also indicate a significant and positive association between household food insecurity and low dietary diversity of women. Education of household heads, household size, access to information sources, access to credit support, and perceived impacts of climate change on crop production were identified as determinants of household food insecurity. The study recommends that appropriate interventions be formulated to improve the food and nutrition security in the study areas.

The determinants of food security in Sudan: the case of Kassala state

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the determinants of food security in Kassala state using the measurement of Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). We use the measurement of HFIAS and use new primary data from a food security household survey in Kassala state (2019).Design/methodology/approachThis paper focuses on the determinants of food security in Kassala state using the measurement of Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), using new primary data from a food security household survey in Kassala state (2019) and using the multinomial logistic regression analysis and both ordered logit and ordered probit regression to examine the determinants of food security.FindingsOur results are in support of our hypothesis that the significant determinants of household food insecurity are family-owned production (that negatively affects the probabilities of household being food insecure), household income (that negatively affects HFIAS). We observe that the effects of family-owned production on household food insecurity are particularly significant in the case of mildly and moderately food insecurity. We explain that the other factors that affect the household food insecurity include improvement in the level of agricultural services, marketing, banking services and road characteristics that reduce HFIAS. We find a gender gap related to food security in the sense that male-headed households produce more food compared to female-headed households and also families headed by males are more likely food secure. Therefore, the major policy implication from our results is the importance of increasing households income and enhancing family own production of food to eliminate food insecurity.Originality/valueThis paper provides a significant contribution to the Sudanese and international literature because it discusses the determinants of food security in Kassala state. Different from the two other accompanying papers that focused on the incidence of food security in Kassala state using the measurement of Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the determinants of production of food and consumption of food in Kassala state, this paper focuses on the determinants of food security in Kassala state using the measurement of HFIAS and using new primary data from a food security household survey in Kassala state (2019). We fill the gap in the Sudanese literature because we provide a more interesting analysis of the determinants of food security in Kassala state. Our analysis is useful from policy perspective since we provide useful policy recommendations to enhance food security through agricultural development in Kassala state.

Determinants of Household Food Insecurity in Rural Areas of the Hilly Region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand, India: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT The food security status of rural inhabitants of the hilly region of the Uttarakhand State was poorly documented. This study aimed to determine the extent and determinants of household food insecurity in rural-hilly areas of Kumaun, Uttarakhand. A cross-sectional, interview-administered survey was conducted among 155 households. Food insecurity, as measured by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, was found in a large number of households; 2.6% of households were categorized as severely food-insecure, 53.3% as moderately food-insecure, 7.1% as mildly food-insecure, and 36.8% as food-secure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that food insecurity was significantly associated with the poverty level of the family, number of children or adolescents in the household, educational level of household head, number of employed family members, and social class (p < 0.05). The food security policies in India must modify focus from food entitlement to include education, income, employment, and household composition. Nutrition-sensitive interventions in agriculture to promote the cultivation of fruits and vegetables in hilly areas. Promotion of poultry farming, goat rearing, freshwater fish farming, and related training will increase the availability of animal food sources. It is an urgent need to design and implement location-specific programs and policies to address food insecurity and food access.

Factors determining the food insecurity status of rural household of rural household Manna Woreda of Jimma zone, Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Manna woreda which is found in Jimma zone at a distance of 368 km south west of Addis Ababa and 24 km west of Jimma town. The objective of the study was  to identify the determinants of household food insecurity in rural households. Even though majority of the sample households were found to be food secured, the number of food insecure households was not small. To know the food security status of the households, the data collected from sampled respondents regarding food preparation for seven day recall and daily consumption record were converted to kilocalorie using the Food Composition table manual. After that the major demographic, socioeconomic and institutional variables were assessed to look into their relative importance in determining the state of food security at household level. Accordingly Large family size and  Asset possession, sex of the household head , number of oxen owned, Access to improved seed and chemical fertilizer are  found to be the determinants of food insecurity in the area, Existence of major animals diseases and pest that affect crop production were found to significantly determine individuals food insecurity status. In addition, Some of the coping strategies that are used by food insecure household were assessed. Their local coping strategies at initial and severe stage includes: sale of livestock and productive assets as well as marketing of wood/charcoal which can in turn aggravate the problem of food insecurity.

The Determinants of Household Food Insecurity in Rural Areas: (In Case of Amhara Region East Gojjam Bichena District)

Improving food security was closely related with the elimination and reduction of poverty at local and individual level. Most of the rural household in Bichena district were suffered by food insecurity therefore this study would be investigate to the problem of food insecurity in the study area through using extend primary data. The descriptive and Logistic regression model was employed and estimate based on the primary data collected from 94 representative sampled rural households of the study area. Among the explanatory variables age of the head, level of education, status of technology adaption, ceremonial expense and accessibility of credit service found to be statically significant factor which influence the rural house hold food insecurity. Therefore, the policy which creates affordable micro and small credit institution, expand adult and formal education and expand rural infrastructure believed to minimize the rural food insecurity problems. Keywords : Rural food insecurity, Bichena District, Logistic regression DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/67-01 Publication date: August 31 st 2020

Living arrangements and food security of a sample of older Palestinian refugees in Lebanon

Background Although we know of the relationship between food insecurity, poor dietary intake and health outcomes, there are limited studies examining the determinants of food insecurity in older adults in developing countries. This study describes the living arrangement and characteristics of protracted Palestinian refugees in Lebanon aged 60 years and older and, the status and determinants of household food insecurity. Methods Two surveys, representative of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon (2010 and 2015), were appended and used to examine living arrangement of older adults and household food security. Our final pooled sample included 5412 households and 24,540 individuals. Of these individuals, 10.85% (n=2663) were adults aged 60 years and older, our population of interest. Living arrangement included 1) households with no older adults, 2) multigenerational households that included at least one older adult, 3) older adults living alone, with spouse or with another older person (single households). Food security was collected using two similar questionnaires that were equated and scores were used to classify households into food secure, moderately and severely food insecure. Means and proportions were used to examine household characteristics and sociodemographic and health variables of older adults by living arrangements. Logistic regression tested determinants of food insecurity. Results About 27% of older adults lived in single households and of those living alone, 94.3% were women. Overall, poverty was highly prevalent in households (57%) and only 38% of households were food secure. However, poverty and food insecurity were significantly less prevalent in single households (P&lt;0.0001) and these were also the highest recipients of welfare and remittances. Conclusions Successful interventions to address poverty and food insecurity will require a better understanding of family structure, interactions within the household, and the role that older adults play within the family.

Determinants of Food Insecurity in Rural Households: The Case of the Paute River Basin of Azuay Province, Ecuador

Eliminating food insecurity is one of humanity’s greatest global challenges. Thus, the purpose of this research was to analyze the factors that determine food insecurity in households in the rural area of the Paute River Basin, Azuay Province, Ecuador. Stratified sampling was used as the sampling method, with proportional affixation. Moreover, we employed the Latin American and Caribbean Household Food Security Measurement Scale (ELCSA). We estimated the main determinants of household food insecurity using two binomial logit models and one ordered logit model. For the analysis of the data, the respective statistical and econometric tests were employed. The results show that housing size and access to food security information are the most important determinants of food insecurity in the three predictive models applied in this research. This research contributes to the existing literature on food insecurity and provides important information for policymakers, especially regarding food insecurity in rural areas, which has profound economic and social implications.

Determinants of Household Food Insecurity in Rural Ethiopia: Multiple Linear Regression (Classical and Bayesian Approaches)

This paper examined the determinants of food insecurity among rural households in Ethiopia using data obtained from Households Consumption and Expenditure (HCE) and Welfare Monitoring (WMS) Survey conducted in 2011 by Central Statistical Agency (CSA). Bayesian multiple liner regression analysis was employed to identify determinant factors of rural household’s food insecurity, diet quality. The study revealed that the diet quality measure for rural households was obtained to be 68% who food secured and 32% who food in secured. The results of the analysis show that the variables, educational level of head of households, annual per capita expenditure of a households, farm land size of a households, number of oxen owned by the farm households, distance to input source, age of the households head, household size, gender of head of household, participating in off-farm activities, production storage and shocks such as: price rice of food items, flood, drought and illness were found to be the most important determinants of households food insecurity. Accordingly, the study suggests that a judicious combination of interventions that enhance income diversification opportunities in rural areas through promoting off-farm activities, family planning, and education, training and extension services could help enhance household food security. Provision of awareness creation on better and productive utilization of such resources as production storage should also be emphasized in rural areas. Generally improvements in fourteen predictor variables have the potential to increase the number of food secured households in rural households of Ethiopia.

Determinants of Household Food Insecurity and Its Association with Child Malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of the Literature

Food insecurity is a global public health challenge. Household food insecurity is the leading risk factor of malnutrition, claiming approximately 300,000 deaths each year. Whether directly or indirectly, due to inadequate food consumption and poor diet quality, it is also accountable for over half of all deaths among children in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that the prevalence of food-insecure individuals in the area will reach 17 million by the year 2021. Inadequate nutrition may result in low immunity, impaired physical and mental development and reduced productivity among children under five years and throughout the life course. This review article attempts to discuss the various household food insecurity determinants and their association with child malnutrition in a Sub-Saharan Africa context. The purposes of this article are to inform governments, policymakers and service providers regarding the importance of household food security and its determinants on child malnutrition, and to plan strategies to improve the household food security status in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Determinants of Food Insecurity of Smallholder Farmers in Humbo Woreda

Food insecurity is a worldwide growing concern. According to the 2010 State of Food Insecurity report of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), nearly one billion people are estimated to be under- nourished, of which developing nations account for 98% (UNFAO2010). Demeke et.al (1995) pointed out that, despite many efforts, food insecurity is still a prominent feature of Ethiopia. Half of the food insecure population of the Sub Saharan Africa is found in Ethiopia, which is one of the seven food insecure country in Sub Sahara Africa. The food insecurity situation in the Humbo woreda, Wolaita zone of Ethiopia shares similar features with that of the other regions (WVE, 2007). The problem of food insecurity has wide diversity and multiple dimensions, which ranges from the global to individual level. Nevertheless, variability, complexity and interrelated causes of household food insecurity and local responses during crisis require an analysis to move down to a household level. It is with regard to this that this study began with the primary objective of analyzing the determinants of household food insecurity of smallholder farmers in Humbo Woreda Southern Nation Nationality People Regional State. To achieve this objective, primary data were collected from a sample of farm households in the Woreda through a structured questionnaire. A total of 183 farm households’ cases were included in the final analysis. In addition, secondary data were collected from different organizations and pertinent publications in order to elaborate the present situation of the food insecurity status in the study area. Logit model was used to identify and analyze the effect of explanatory variables on the dependent variable. A total of twelve explanatory variables were included in the regression. Out of these, six variables were found to be significant in terms of food insecurity. The variables that have a significant relationship with the probability of food insecurity are: Use of Chemical Fertilizer, Use of irrigation, Land Size, Livestock Size, Food Aid, and Farm Credit Use. The rest of the explanatory variables, namely age, sex, education level, family size, dependency ratio, and other sources of income, had no significant effect on the probability of food insecurity. Therefore, consideration of these factors is vital as it provides information that would enable one to undertake effective measures with the aim of improving food security status in the study area. Keywords: Food insecurity, logit , Humbo woreda, smallholder farmers DOI : 10.7176/JPID/50-01 Publication date :June 30 th 2019

Determinants of Household Food Insecurity in Kemisse Special Zone: Case Study at Dawachefa Wereda, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to explore the determinants of household food insecurity in Dawachefa wereda. To achieve the intended objectives of the study descriptive case study was used by the researchers. The necessary data for this study was collected from primary and secondary sources. In this case, primary data were collected from respondents through interview, focus group discussion and personal observation. On the other hand, secondary sources were collected from books, articles and other literatures. In addition, to select the study areas and resourceful persons the researchers used purposive (judgmental) sampling technique. Accordingly, two kebeles, namely Woledi and Tucha were selected. Consequently, the data gained from respondents through primary and secondary sources was analyzed qualitatively in words (through descriptive manner via triangulations). Furthermore, the finding of this study shows that the natural factors like, environmental crisis, unpredictability of rainfall, soil erosion and socio-economic factors such as traditional practices and farming system, population pressure, poor infrastructure were identified as the determinants of household food insecurity in the study area. The study also found some limitations with regard to lack of good governance issues, incapacity to implementing poverty-focused growth policies in the area. Finally, the study explored some survival strategies used by households to mitigate the impacts of food insecurity.

Determinants of Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies Among Pastoral Households: The Case of Erer District, In Sitti Zone Ethiopian Somali Regional State

An understanding of the major causes of food insecurity is important for interventions aiming at reducing it. Therefore, this study was conducted to measure food insecurity status of pastoral households, to identify determinants of food insecurity status of pastoral households, and to identify pastoral households coping strategies to deal the problem of food insecurity in the study area. In order to achieve these objectives, cross-sectional data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and institutional aspects were collected from 150 randomly selected households in four Kebeles based on probability proportional to size through semi-structured interview schedule and focus group discussion. Descriptive statistics, like mean, standard deviation and percentage distribution. Bivariate analysis such as t-tests and Chi-square ( 𝜒2) tests and binary Logit regression were used to achieve the stated objectives. The results from descriptive statistics show that out of the total surveyed households%|||| were food insecure and while 36 % were food secure. The binary logit regression results show that among the twelve variables, eight were statistically significant determinants of household food insecurity. These variables are: family size, age of the household head and dependency ratio were positively related with food insecurity. The remaining significant variables Sex of the household, total livestock owned, offfarm income, level of education, remittance, food aid received and credit access were negatively related with food insecurity status of the households. Furthermore, households used different coping strategies against food insecurity and these include: sale for firewood and charcoal production and sales, short-term or seasonal migration, sale of more livestock than usual.