HOUSEHOLD FOOD INSECURITY AND COPING MECHANISMS IN MENZ-GERA DISTRICT OF AMHARA REGIONAL STATE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Food insecurity is widespread in Menz Gera District. The study was intended to assess the household food insecurity situation in Menz Gera District using 150 randomly selected sample households. The Household Calorie Acquisition (HCA) was used to measure the diet quantity aspect of food insecurity, and 2200Kcal/day/AE was used as a food security line. Based on this measure the incidence, gap and severity of food insecurity were computed using the FGT poverty index and results 84.7, 41.7 and 25.4 percent, respectively. The Household Diet Diversity Score (HHDDS) was used to measure the diet quality aspect of food insecurity, four food groups was used as a food security line, and about 68 percent of the total households’ found to be food insecure. Factors associated with food insecurity in terms of diet quantity and quality was estimated using Tobit and probit regression models, respectively. Sex, education, irrigation, non/off-farm participation, oxen, livestock holding, farm size, family size, pest and insect incidence and distance from market center were statistically significant determinants of food insecurity in terms diet quantity. On the other hand sex, family size, education, irrigation, farm size, pest and insect incidence were statistically significant determinants of food insecurity in terms of diet quality or diversity. In addition, coping mechanisms during food shortage were also investigated, and the result showed that restriction on consumption by adults, limiting portion size at meal time and reducing number of meals per day, feeding working family members, and consuming less preferred/expensive food were frequently used coping mechanisms. The Reduced Coping Strategy Index (RCSI) was used to measure the frequency and severity of coping mechanisms during food shortage. The mean score of RCSI was 21.88. Factors associated with RCSI were estimated using OLS regression model. Sex of the household head, family size, oxen, livestock, non and/or off-farm activity and insect and pest incidence. To this end, the study recommended that special emphasis should be given in the area through the identified factors to reduce food insecurity situation.