Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
Periodical article | Leiden University 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] |