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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Farm households' food insecurity and their coping strategies in Arsi Negele District, Oromia Region
Author:Assefa, Samuel
Year:2010
Periodical:Ethiopian Journal of the Social Sciences and Humanities (ISSN 1810-4487)
Volume:7
Issue:1-2
Pages:27-54
Language:English
Geographic term:Ethiopia
Subjects:food security
food shortage
rural households
attitudes
External link:https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ejossah/article/view/74959
Abstract:This paper argues that understanding farm households' perceptions of food insecurity, its causes and coping strategies are prerequisites for the improvement of their food security status and coping ability. The study is based on data collected in Arsi Negele District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, in 2009. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. Indicators of wealth status vary considerably across the 43 rural and 4 urban 'kebeles' (neighbourhoods) in the district. Overall, households and community representatives felt that poverty and food insecurity have increased over time. Female-headed households were overrepresented in the poor category. Even though differences were observed in the conceptualization of food security across 'kebeles', many informants relate food security to sufficient own production. Of the studied households, 84.2 percent have experienced food shortage. Drought, variable rain, high prices of crops, rapid population growth and its associated diminished landholding, lack of work discipline, and poor saving traditions were identified as the main causes of food insecurity. To minimize risks and overcome food shortage, households employed a panoply of strategies. However, households in different wealth categories employed different strategies, with relatively affluent households coping on their own, while the poorer households rely mainly on other households, food aid and the sale of productive assets and small livestock. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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