Food security situation of rain-fed subsistence farming in the Hamassa watershed agroecologies, Ethiopia

Agroecological conditions are crucial for food production and the foundation for food security in Ethiopian subsistence farming. This study examines the food security status and determinants in Hamassa watershed agroecological zones (AEZs). The study collected primary and secondary data from 328 randomly selected household heads and used various analytical tools including the Food Balance Model, t-test, chi-square test, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke Index and binary logit model. The result showed that 54.27% of households were food insecure, with the midland having the highest food insecurity at 68%, followed by lowland and highland at about 57% and 40%, respectively. About 27.7% of households had energy deficiency, and 15.5% were classified as severely food insecure (severity level). Specifically, the midland agroecology showed the highest food insecurity depth and severity due to small land size and population pressure. Results showed that water availability, climate change perception, land size, development agent, sex, education, Tropical livestock units and oxen were positive and significant factors in food security. On the other hand, age, household size, income from crop sales, total land size and social capital negatively and significantly affected food security. The food insecurity status and severity are different for different agroecologies, requiring tailored technical, institutional and policy interventions.