Multidimensional food security in North Eastern Amhara: a CARI based agroecological analysis

The North Eastern Amhara Region is prone to drought, making the pursuit of food security a significant challenge. In this context, a multidimensional food security analysis can provide policymakers with the insights needed for timely interventions. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the multidimensional food security indices in the North Eastern Amhara Region. To achieve this, an explanatory research design with a mixed research approach was employed whereby a sample of 409 was drawn using a multistage random sampling technique for the quantitative data collection, while qualitative data werenne gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency analysis, ANOVA, and chi-square tests, whereas qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The analysis employed indices such as the Food Consumption Score (FCS), the reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCCSI), the Food Expenditure Share (FES), and the Livelihood Coping Strategies Index (LCSI) to identify the food security status of households. The study found significant variations in food security prevalence across zones. The study revealed that the mean FCS was highest in Dega (52.9) and lowest in Kolla (46.1) with statistically significant at p < 0.001. The mean rCCSI was highest in Kolla (11.8) and lowest in Dega (6.2), with statistical significance at p < 0.001. The FES also indicated, households spending less than 50% of total expenditures on food were 18.99% in Dega, 8.07% in Kolla, and 14.79% in Woina Dega, significant at p < 0.001. The LCSI showed that crisis-level strategies were most common in Kolla (52.2%), and lowest in Dega (35.4%). Emergency coping mechanisms were more prevalent in Kolla (21.1%) compared to Woina Dega (17.2%). The Food Security Index (FSI) was highest in Kolla (2.6) and lowest in Dega (2.2), also significant at p < 0.001. The categorization of food-secure households was 25.32% in Dega, 8.7% in Kolla, and 17.16% in Woina Dega. These findings underscore the significant prevalence of food insecurity and economic vulnerability to food insecurity have been identified in the study area in general and in Kolla agroecological zone in particular. The Ethiopian government should go beyond mere observed food-insecurity to address the needs of the relatively larger population that is at risk of being food-insecure in the future.