Determinants of Food Insecurity using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale: A Cross-Sectional Study in Enset-Based Agricultural Practice of Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of food insecurity in the Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia, using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) as a measure of food insecurity. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 620 sampled farming households through a multi-stage sampling method and analyzed using SPSS software version 26. Both descriptive and inferential statistics including frequencies, percentages, Chi-square, independent-sample t-test, and binary logistic regression, were utilized for data analysis. The findings reveal that higher levels of education, larger land sizes, longer birth intervals, and greater household asset ownership positively influence household food security. Conversely, heavy reliance on enset (false banana) is associated with lower food security, likely due to limited agricultural yields and reduced dietary diversity. Additionally, the study identifies common coping strategies, such as reducing meal variety, opting for cheaper meals, and limiting portion sizes, as prevalent responses to food insecurity. These results highlight the importance of education, land access, family planning, and diversified food production in enhancing food security in the region.