Urban expansion and suburban farm households’ food security status in Ethiopia: Evidence from sheger city

Food insecurity is a burning concern in national security and global stability as it directly impacts health, economic stability, and social well-being. This research was undertaken to assess the urban expansion impact on suburban farm households' food security status in Sheger City, Ethiopia, by collecting primary data from 393 farm households. Descriptive analysis of food security from HFIAS and FCS tools and econometric analysis of demographic and socioeconomic determinants were utilized for data analysis. HFIAS & FCS tools indicated food insecurity prevalence in the study area. HFIAS showed 40 % and 60 % and FCS suggested 67 % and 33 % overall ‘food secure’ and ‘insecure’ households respectively. Descriptive statistics of both measures showed that land expropriated households were at a higher condition of food insecurity status than land unexpropriated ones. The MLM estimation result from combined food security indicator of the two measures supported these findings showing that land expropriation status and land holding size were vital factors affecting households' food security status particularly for those who were land expropriated. The model showed 35 %, 37 %, & 28 % food secure, intermediate group and food insecure households in the study area, respectively. Policy instruments & institutional arrangements dedicated to negotiated, fair & adequate compensation during land expropriation, appropriate urban planning and zoning to protect spontaneous urban encroachment on suburban farmland, land redistribution & tenure security, livelihood diversification training programs, strengthening urban-rural linkages, provision of tailored microfinance and credit services for the needy suburban farmers are recommended. • This study assessed urban expansion impact on food security status of suburban farm households in Sheger City, Ethiopia. • HFIAS showed 40 % & 60 % while FCS showed 67 % & 33 % food secure and insecure households in the study area, respectively. • Combined HFIAS and FCS tool showed 35 %, 37 % & 28 % food secure, intermediate group & food insecure households, respectively. • MLM showed Land expropriation, land size, age, & location were among the socioeconomic determinants of food security. • Urban expansion threatens suburban farm households' food security by dwindling farmland.