Household food security situation and determinants using daily calorie intake in east Bale zone, Ethiopia

Abstract The livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia are increasingly threatened, and their well-being is becoming more precarious. Consequently, this study aims to identify the factors affecting the vulnerability of smallholder farmers and to propose policies that could enhance their living conditions. We employed a mixed methods research strategy to investigate the state of their food security and its determinants. The research location and the 323 sample respondents were chosen using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Both quantitative and qualitative primary and secondary data were used, gathered through focus groups, key informants, and household surveys, and analyzed using descriptive and econometric models. The study utilized descriptive statistics in conjunction with a logistic regression model to investigate the factors that influence household food security. The results revealed a high mean difference (978.32 kcal) between food secure and insecure households, with the mean daily caloric intake per adult equivalent for food-secure and food-insecure households being 2654.61 and 1676.29 kcal, respectively. The research revealed that the mean daily calorie consumption per adult equivalent of the majority of households (80.20%) is lower than the daily recommended calorie intake per adult equivalent. Additionally, the study identified several factors that influence the degree of food security in a household, including the head of the household’s sex, the dependence ratio, loan availability, involvement in non-farm activities, distance from the closest market, and frequency of communication with extension agents. According to the study’s findings, any initiative aimed at enhancing household food security ought to take into account a unique program as part of the jobs and income-generating activities or any other farmers’ intervention program that focuses more on smallholder farmers and raises their standard of living. This could be achieved through improved agricultural extension services, improved market infrastructure, access to credit services, or increased awareness of alternative sources of income and enabling households to produce their own food and build resilient on local food systems will foster self-reliance and ensure consistent access to sufficient and nutritious food over time.