Drivers of rural–urban food insecurity disparities in war-affected settings of Tigray, Ethiopia: a decomposition approach to policy and intervention insights

Purpose This study examines the drivers of rural-urban disparities in household food insecurity in war-affected settings, offering critical insights into targeted policy interventions. Design/methodology/approach Using cross-sectional data from 1,800 rural and urban households in Tigray, this study applied the Food Insecurity Access Scale (FIAS) and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) to measure food insecurity. The Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition technique was also used to identify the factors underlying rural–urban disparities. Findings The findings revealed that armed conflict exacerbated food insecurity, affecting 73% of households based on FIES estimates, with prevalence rates of 34.33% in rural areas and 20% in urban areas. The decomposition analysis attributed 67% (FIAS) and 56% (FIES) of rural–urban disparities to factors such as household age, education level, access to humanitarian aid and employment status. However, gender, marital status, household size, dependency ratio and war-induced damage intensified the rural–urban gap. Practical implications Addressing rural–urban disparities in food insecurity presents an opportunity to design targeted, context-specific interventions that enhance equity and effectiveness. Social implications This study underscores the urgent need for inclusive food security policies that address the distinct challenges experienced by rural and urban households in conflict-affected regions. Originality/value This study offers a novel analysis of rural–urban food insecurity disparities in a post-conflict context, highlighting the key role of household characteristics.