Food Security Status for the Rural Households: A Case Study of Diksis Wareda, Arsi Zone, Oromia Reginal State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract 
One of the most pressing problems in emerging nations, especially Ethiopia, is rural household food 
insecurity. The major objective of this study was to examine the level of food security in rural households 
using a descriptive research approach and primary and secondary data sources. From a population of 
2341 household heads in nine selected kebeles, 327 sample respondents were determined using 
statistical formula. Out of the determined sample size, gave data with a 96% response rate. Structured 
questionnaire was developed to collect data for quantitative analysis and items validity and reliability 
were checked using statistical techniques. The data collected from samples were entered into SPSS 
version 23-computer software programme for analysis. Qualitative data were also arranged 
thematically, analyzed and triangulated. Descriptive and inferential non-parametric tests were used to 
analyze data. The findings showed that more than half of households (58.5%) earn less than the GDP 
per capita of 974 USD expected, older ages had relatively higher total annual income; and a very low 
food security status due to food unavailability; lacks of access, utilization, and sustainability, 100% 
rarely skipped meals infrequently, 99.4% ate less, and 87.8% were hungry but refrained from eating. In 
light of the evidence, the researchers draw conclusions that the majority of households make less money 
than projected each year and this resulted in very low food security status either because they cannot 
purchase or readily access enough food. Consequently, they skip meals, eat less than they need, and 
refuse to eat even when they are hungry. Therefore, the concerned local, regional, and federal 
government bodies should work collaboratively to pull the rural households out of very low food security 
status and its related risks by introducing irrigation agriculture, rural non-farm activities, and 
eliminating the causes illustrated in this finding.