Ethiopian Journal of Development Research

Analysis of Household Food Security and Determinants in the Face of Conflict and Drought in South Wollo Zone Ethiopia

Jemal Hassen Muhyie, Desalegn Yayeh Ayal, Temesgen Tilahun Teshome — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study analyses the impact of conflict and drought on household food security and identifies determinant factors and coping strategies in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. Descriptive and quasi-experimental research designs were employed for pre-post retrospective data gathered from 422 randomly selected households. Qualitative data collected from key informants, focus group discussants, and related literature complemented the quantitative aspect of the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using regression models in Stata, while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that conflict and drought significantly undermine household food security. The combined exposure to conflict and drought increases food insecurity, which highlights the compounded nature of these crises. Per capita calorie availability drops from 1,789 kcal pre-conflict to 1,420 kcal post-conflict was observed, below the Ministry of Health recommendation of 2,300 kcal. This decrease was attributed to the individual and combined impacts of conflict and drought on food security, highlighting an increase in food-insecure households from 79% to 87%. In comparison, food-secure households fell from 21% to 13% using a household food balance model in the pre-post periods. The Coping Strategy Index rose as food security deteriorated, with households resorting to a combination of riskier coping mechanisms to cope with food insecurity. Some coping strategies that households consider include dietary changes, rationing, and reliance on community-based support systems like equb, edir, and debo. The regression analysis identified livestock ownership in total livestock units, agricultural index, work ratio, and age of the household head as positively associated with food security. In contrast, larger family size, exposure to drought, and exposure to conflict and aid were negatively associated. The study offers policy recommendations to build productive livelihood through asset building and livelihood diversification to foster self-reliance, and integrated recovery programs acknowledging the compounding nature of conflict and drought to improve food security.

Public-Private Partnership Financing Framework for Housing Development in Addis Ababa: Evidence from Planning and Implementation Phase

Girma Birhanu, Teshome Tafesse, Tesfaye Zeleke — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Housing development financing faces significant challenges in Addis Ababa City Administration. Among others, inadequate planning, insufficient risk management, and lack of transparency in procurement constituted the gaps. These challenges undermine the effective implementation of Public-Private Partnership as a viable financing approach. This study employed a mixed methods design to investigate the planning phases of Public Private Partnership housing development of the city. Results indicated that planning dimensions such as integration of various components, defining the scope, and resource allocation demonstrated remarkable successes so far. However, inadequacy of institutional capacity, limited stakeholder engagement, and imbalanced risk identification and allocation comprise dimensions that seek further attention. The values for the path coefficients of procurement and resource allocation were found to be 0.99 and 0.66, respectively, highlighting the presence of correlation with institutional capacity. The findings further suggest the need to balance private sector incentives with deliverables, affordability, and transparency.

Trends of Climate Change and Variability in Different Agroecological Zones of Sidaama Region, Ethiopia: Application of Innovative Trend Analysis

Abera Argo Lankamo, Dayanandan R — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper analyzes climate change trends and variability in the Sidaama region, comparing three agroecological zones (AEZs). The dataset, covering 1981 to 2020, was sourced from the National Meteorological Institute of Ethiopia using a 4x4 km grid. The trend in precipitation and temperature was assessed using Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA), the MK test, and Sen’s slope, while the variability was analyzed through the Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI), Coefficient of Variance (CV), and Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI). Results showed mean annual rainfall of 942.4 mm, 1101.2 mm, and 757.0 mm for the highland, midland, and lowland zones, respectively, with 2020 being the wettest year and 2015 the driest across all zones. Rainfall demonstrated a decreasing trend, while both maximum and minimum temperatures increased. The midland zone experienced the most significant changes, with a rainfall decrease of approximately 12.1 mm/year and a mean annual maximum temperature increase of 0.063°C/year. Most results across tests were consistent, except for a few instances. PCI indicated moderate intra-annual and inter-seasonal rainfall variability, while RAI results highlighted varying drought conditions, particularly affecting the lowland zone. Without timely interventions, these climatic changes could worsen poverty, malnutrition, and migration in the region, necessitating adaptive strategies like enhanced water conservation, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and afforestation to counteract deforestation-induced precipitation declines.

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

Atsede Seyoum, Admasu Tsegaye, Aregash Samuel — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Esubalew Abate Alemu — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Transboundary Water Resources Management Practices: Comparative Analysis of Nile and Senegal River Basins

Kiram Tadesse, Yeshtila Wondemeneh Bekele — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study discusses the existing transboundary water resource management practices in Nile and Senegal River basins. By identifying key drivers of change that contribute to successful management of shared water resources, this study draws lessons in building effective institutional frameworks towards a common call for cooperative utilization of Nile waters. It adopted a Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) design, with in-depth qualitative analysis of selected cases and Key Informant Interviews (KII) to analyze the drivers of change and evolution of the institutional frameworks that have been governing the Nile and Senegal River Basins and how they are affecting the cooperation process. The study argues that the compound effects of hydro-ecological phenomenon, legal regimes, historical beliefs and unilateral actions of the riparian’s have been among the major factors that have influenced the cooperation process and determined their outcomes. The study has put forward some recommendations aimed at striking win-win solutions that could pave the way for Nile riparians come to a cooperative framework. These include, among others, focusing on benefits sharing than water allocations, focusing on scientific or technical issues than political, understand the views of local actors, contest the legitimacy of the old-regimes through re-negotiation of Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) with Egypt and Sudan, and change power relations in the basin.

Policy Integration for Sustainable Environmental Management of Lake Tana, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Melkemariam Genet, Bamlaku Alamirew, Solomon Tsehay — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes the integration status of environmental protection policies for Lake Tana using a convergent mixed methods approach within a pragmatism research paradigm. Data was collected through observations, focus group discussions, document reviews, and interviews with policymakers and stakeholders. Content analysis and CapScan analysis were employed to assess the extent of policy integration pertinent to Lake Tana. The result shows significant gaps in policy integration particularly in policy design, implementation, and evaluation. Results further indicate that stakeholders lacked alignment on key issues, resulting in poor sectoral coordination and fragmented efforts. Integration challenges including poor stakeholder engagement, insufficient institutional capacity, and fragmented policy frameworks are exacerbated by varied levels of leadership, accountability, and monitoring. Furthermore, policymakers and experts emphasized the need for stronger institutional structures and enhanced coordination to tackle these issues effectively. The study suggests the need for increased political commitment, better stakeholder collaboration, financial alignment, and improved monitoring systems. It also suggests policy reforms to strengthen institutional frameworks and develop a unified strategy for the sustainable management of Lake Tana, contributing to a broader understanding of policy integration in environmental governance.

Employment Challenges: Key Influential Factors in the Higher Education-To-Work Transition Experiences of Graduates in Sebeta Town, Oromia Region

Berhanu Girma, Kassahun Asres — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Transitioning from school to work is a critical period in young people’s lives, marking their entry into the labor market and the pursuit of economic independence. However, in Ethiopia, a growing number of higher education graduates, coupled with limited job growth, have made this transition nonlinear, challenging, and increasingly complex. This study aimed to explore the key factors influencing the entry of higher education institution graduates to work and their success of transition to work in Sebeta Town, Oromia Region. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to enhance the depth and breadth of the research findings. A total of 146 survey respondents were selected from 378 higher education institution (HEI) graduates, using Taro's (1967) formula at a 95% confidence interval. Participants for the qualitative approach were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection utilized a multi-source approach, incorporating primary data and secondary data sources. The findings reveal that graduates' transition to work is influenced by multiple structural and institutional factors, such as the nexus between education and the labor market, collaboration among key sectors, the competency and integrity of service providers, ethnicity and cultural proximity, and access to finance and infrastructural facilities. Furthermore, individual-level factors, including job preferences, entrepreneurial mindsets, and social networking, contributed to difficulties in the transition to work. The key factors identified are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are interwoven and mutually reinforcing. The findings suggest a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to address the complex and contextual nature of the key factors influencing the education-to-work transitions of graduates.

The Governance of Urban Productive Safety Net Program in Lideta Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Gizachew Animaw, Meskerem Abi — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ethiopia has been implementing and operationalizing the productive safety net program in rural and urban areas since 2005 and 2016, respectively, as an indispensable social protection initiative with the objective of ensuring food security, supporting livelihoods and building resilience. The program stands out as Africa's most significant social protection initiative due to its extensive nationwide coverage and substantial number of beneficiaries. The study was conducted with aim to explore the implementation of the urban productive safety net program and assess its alignment with the pillars of the good food security governance framework for food security established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. A qualitative research approach and case study research design were employed based on their appropriateness for addressing the research objective. Thematic analysis, supported by Maxqda software, was used for the data analysis. The findings of the study analyzed through the good food security governance framework revealed that the practical operation of urban productive safety net program exhibited notable strengths in governance principles including participation, accountability, transparency, equality, and fairness. Some of the key indicators include active beneficiary involvement in decision-making, awareness of rights and duties, and availability of program’s information. However, limitations were identified concerning the rule of law, efficiency and effectiveness, and responsiveness. Some of the manifestations include discrimination instances, inadequate startup capital and support after graduation, absence of public work compensation insurance and the average response time to beneficiary requests, highlight areas that require improvement for better governance of the program. Therefore, to enhance the successful operationalization of the program, the government should improve targeting processes to ensure equality and fairness by addressing instances of bias that exclude the poor. Moreover, increasing the startup capital in line with inflation indices and providing ongoing follow up and support after graduation will conclusively help graduates establish sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, implementing health insurance for beneficiaries and ensuring timely responses to their requests will strengthen the program's responsiveness. Furthermore, the overlooked good food security governance principles such as accountability, rule of law, and participation shall be incorporated into the urban productive safety net program implementation manual as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Spatiotemporal Rainfall Variability in the Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia, and Its Linkage to Large-Scale Climate Oscillations: Implications for Food Security Among Pastoral Households

Fikru Tarekegn, Desalegn Yayeh, Amare Bantider, Walter Leal Filho — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study focuses on daily extreme climate indices and their underlying causes, rather than traditional average climate investigations. The primary aim is to effectively strategize adaptation measures for climate extremes and ensure food security. The research was conducted in the Borena Zone, an area that has experienced recurrent extreme weather events, particularly droughts, over the past few decades. Utilizing daily rainfall and temperature data sourced from the National Meteorological Agency (NMA) spanning from 1981 to 2020, the study examines the variability of climate extreme indices within the Borena Zone. In addition to mean maximum and mean minimum temperatures, six extreme temperature indices and five extreme rainfall indices were employed for a comprehensive analysis. The results from temporal analysis indicate that maximum daily maximum temperature (TXx), maximum daily minimum temperature (TNx), minimum daily maximum temperature (TXn), and maximum daily minimum temperature (TNn) exhibit significantly increasing trends ranging from 0.016 to 0.053°C/year. Conversely, the extreme temperature indices for cool days (TX10) and cool nights (TN10p) show decreasing trends ranging from 0.058 to 0.406%/year. The spatial analysis of extreme indices also reveals an overall increase in temperature across the zone, confirming a higher warming trend in the area. Among the extreme rainfall indices, the total precipitation (PRCPTOT) shows a very significant increasing trend (p = 0.006) of 3.65 mm/year. The number of very heavy rainfall days (R20mm) and the number of very wet days (R95p) also exhibit significant increasing trends, ranging from 0.05 to 2.044 mm/year. Conversely, continuous wetdays (CWD) show a decreasing trend, while continuous dry days (CDD) demonstrate an increasing trend. The spatial analysis of rainfall indices corroborates the findings from the temporal analysis. Correlation analysis of daily rainfall with global indices such as Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Sea Level Pressure (SLP) reveals a significant positive correlation with consecutive dry days (CDD) and a negative correlation with consecutive wet days (CWD). The results of this study indicate warming trends in the area, accompanied by erratic rainfall patterns that significantly affect evaporation rates and various key sectors, notably rainfed agriculture, leading to increased drought conditions.

The Impacts of Public Expenditure on Sustainable Environmental Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abeje Abera, Derese Mersha, Tafa Mosisa — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the impacts of public expenditure on sustainable environmental development (SED) in sub-Saharan African countries using the annual data of 35 countries during the period of 2008--2022. This study is needed because previous studies failed to consider a significant share of sustainable environmental development goals, and their findings were inconsistent. The study employed Dynamic Panel, two step-System-Generalized method of Moments (GMM) estimation techniques to test the effect of military, agricultural, health, and education expenditure on the sustainable environmental development. The results indicate that changes in public spending in the military, health and agriculture positively and significantly affect sustainable environmental development in SSA, whereas education expenditure has a positive but insignificant effect. For agricultural, health and education expenditures, sustainable development theory is valid, whereas for military spending expenditure, ecological modernization theory is valid, and sustainable development theory is not supported. To realize SED development in sub-Saharan Africa, policy makers in sub-Saharan African countries have suggested increasing expenditures on defense technology to improve environmental development sustainability; investment in sustainable farming practices, promoting organic agricultural practices that reduce waste, pollution, and the use of renewable energy using technologies; and incentivizing programs that increase public awareness of ecological quality and upsurge investment in the health sector to improve the health status of people by so doing enhance SED.