Food security status and its determinants in pastoral and agro-pastoral districts of Afar regional state, Ethiopia

Abstract

Food insecurity is a prime difficulty in Ethiopia. Food security policies and intervention mechanisms require empirical evidence on factors related to enhancement of food security. This study analyzed the determinants of households’ food security status in pastoral and agro-pastoral districts of Afar regional state. Multistage sampling technique was used to identify sampled households. The sample size of each kebele ¹ was determined proportionally and selected 150 households. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Foster Greer Thorbecke index and multiple linear regression model. By taking 2100 kcal/AE/day as a cut-off point, 72.7% of the households were found food insecure. The results of multiple linear regression model indicated that family size (adult equivalent) and mothers’ time constraint have a significantly negative effect on food security status at less than 1%. Livestock ownership (TLU) and sex (male) have a significantly positive effect on food security status at less than 1% and 5%, respectively. Fundamentally, efforts from federal and regional government and other stakeholders are needed to improve livestock production, productivity and commercialization. Awareness creation of effective family planning via giving special attention to female-headed households is worthily helpful to maximize food security in the study area.