Food insecurity and coping strategies in enset-producing and non-producing households in central Ethiopia using a consolidated food security indicator approach (CARI)

This study examined food insecurity and coping strategies in enset-producing versus non-producing households in central Ethiopia, highlighting the importance of agriculture in addressing the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. The study employed a mixed-research approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted with 270 respondents, supplemented by focus group discussions and interviews with key informants. Inferential statistics, including t-tests, chi-square tests, and an ordered logit model, were used to analyze food security determinants. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data, and the Consolidated Approach to Reporting Food Security Indicators (CARI) framework was used to assess food security levels. The results indicate that enset-producing households have higher consumption rates of pulses (4.725 days) and fats (2.359 days) compared to non-producers, who consume less across most food groups than their enset-producing counterparts. Enset producers scored 2.16 and non-producers scored 4.75 on the Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI) component of the CARI framework, specifically for the indicator relying on less preferred foods. Enset producers also had a higher mean total food expenditure (96,157.46 ETB) compared to non-producers (89,098.07 ETB). Coping strategies revealed that 6.38% of enset producers sell assets under stress, compared to 31.25% of non-producers. According to the CARI index, 3.52% of enset producers and 0% of non-producers are food secure, while 23.94% of enset producers and 81.25% of non-producers are severely food insecure. In addition, the ordered logit model revealed that food security among enset-producing households is significantly influenced by gender, education, remittances, and exposure to shocks, while for non-producers, key determinants include age, household size, and access to health insurance. The study concludes that enset producers are more resilient to food insecurity and recommends promoting enset cultivation and strengthening support systems such as education, health insurance, and remittance access to enhance household food security.