Determinants of food security and coping strategies among rural households in Baka-Dawula Ari Woreda, Southern, Ethiopia.

Purpose- Food is any substance that people eat and drink to maintain healthy and productive life as well as growth. While food security is when all peoples access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. However, now a day food security is one of the main confuse factors of economic growth of developing county in general, Ethiopia in particular. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to examine the determinants of food security and coping strategies among rural households’ in Baka Dawula Ari district, Ari Zone, Southern Ethiopia regional state. Methodology- The study employed quantitative research approach and explanatory research design. To collect data from the sample respondents of 269, multistage random sampling techniques used. For the data analysis, both descriptive statistics and econometric models particularly the logistic regression model used. Findings- The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that age household head, education level, access to extension services, households participate in off farm activities, households ownership of oxen, livestock ownership and cultivable land size were positive and significantly influencing household food security in the study area. while, family size is negative and significantly influencing household food security in the study area. The survey result of coping strategies state that majority of household was used mechanisms such as reduced number of meals eaten in a day, selling small animals, relay on causal labor, borrow money/food from relatives and selling firewood and charcoal were used in the period of shortage of food. Conclusion- Based on the findings, the local government development strategies need to encompass education programs; attempt short-term training center should experience in a strategic and organized to improve household education. Additionally, facilitate starting income to participate on off-farm activities, improving the quality of the land through improved soil and nutrient management to increase food production, and supply better veterinary services to improve livestock markets to achieve household food security. Keywords: Household Food Balance Model, Food security, coping strategies, Baka Dawula Ari district, binary logit model