A scoping study on Ethiopia's food security challenges and potential way outs

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to document the challenges of food security and way outs to food insecurity in Ethiopia. It is based on multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar which are commonly used for studies of this nature. The criteria used were to identify studies conducted internationally and in Ethiopia that are relevant to the subject under this study. Accordingly, the main issues with food security in Ethiopia are socioeconomic, biophysical, technological, policy, and institutional, including inadequate infrastructure, land degradation, conflict and displacement, and limited access to markets, credit, and technology. However, family planning, climate-resilient farming methods and enhanced water management systems are some possible solutions to Ethiopia's food insecurity problems. Furthermore, diversification of sources of income, bolstering rural-urban connections, gaining access to agricultural supplies, market and finance services, offering social protection, strengthening extension services, and implementing laws and regulations through appropriate institutions are also potential way outs. Thus, it is imperative for policy makers and the public to pay attention to the identified challenges and remedies and design appropriate interventions to alleviate the food insecurity problems in Ethiopia.