Women’s participation in income generating activities and its effect on household dietary diversity in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia

This study analyzes the factors influencing women’s participation in income-generating activities (IGAs) and its subsequent effect on household dietary diversity (HDD). Data from 356 rural women were collected in 2021/2022 using surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions and subjected to descriptive statistics and Heckman’s two-step model analysis. Qualitative data were transcribed and further narrated to supplement the quantitative findings. The findings depict that only 38.4% of the surveyed women engaged in IGAs, indicating low participation in the region. Key factors positively influencing participation include formal education, training, prior business experience, access to initial capital, cooperative membership, and ownership of land and livestock, while distance to market had a negative influence. A significant difference in average HDD was found between women engaged in IGAs and those who were not, indicating that women’s IGAs enhance HDD. The study suggests targeted government and organizational initiatives to particularly strengthen business training, access to initial capital, markets and cooperative ventures to improve women’s IGAs and HDD.