Prevalence and Drivers of Child Food Poverty in Ethiopia: Evidence From a Nationally Representative Survey

Child food poverty, defined as inadequate access to and consumption of a nutritious and diverse diet in early childhood, can have lasting consequences for health, development, and economic productivity. However, nationally representative data on its magnitude and factors remain scarce in Ethiopia. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of child food poverty at national and regional levels, identify its key factors, and quantify the absolute burden among children under 5 years of age. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional Food and Nutrition Strategy baseline survey. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-h recall for children aged 6-23 months (n = 2,969). Proportion of severe- (0-2 food groups) and moderate- (3-4 food groups) child food poverty was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of severe food poverty. Extrapolations were performed to estimate the absolute number of children aged 6-59 months experiencing food poverty nationally. Overall, 92% of children aged 6-23 months lived in severe or moderate food poverty, which translates to about 12 million Ethiopian children under five. Significant predictors of severe food poverty included low maternal education (AOR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.22,2.41), no antenatal care visits (AOR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.38,2.08), and lowest household wealth quintile (AOR 2.98, 95% CI: 1.85,4.68). Child food poverty is widespread in Ethiopia, with substantial regional variation and strong links to maternal education, healthcare access, and household wealth. Urgent, multi-sectoral nutrition interventions are needed to protect young children's, strengthen public health systems, and enhance emergency preparedness.