Food security and dietary diversity status among rural households of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region, food insecurity and malnutrition are pressing issues characterized by high undernourishment rates and limited dietary diversity. This research investigates the determinants of food security and dietary diversity in Eastern Amhara, utilizing the data collected from a sample of 384 households across nine kebeles in the year 2023. Employing both primary and secondary data collection methods, the study gathered quantitative data through structured surveys and qualitative insights via Key Informant Interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis included descriptive and econometric methods. Descriptive analysis revealed that 230 households (59.9%) were food secure, while 154 (40.1%) were food insecure. On average, households consumed 6.22 different types of food items. The econometric analysis employed a logistic regression model to identify factors influencing food security and a seemingly unrelated regression model to assess calorie intake and dietary diversity. Key findings indicated that distance to markets negatively affected food security, while land ownership and quality had a positive impact. Education levels among those with grades 5–12 also showed a strong positive effect. Other positive determinants included cultivated land size, age of the household head, and access to social networks. The seemingly unrelated model indicated that market distance negatively affected calorie intake and dietary diversity, while access to credit adversely impacted food security. The study advocates for a multidimensional approach to address these interconnected factors, emphasizing the need to enhance market access, financial resources, and educational opportunities to improve food security and dietary diversity among vulnerable households.