Food Security and Vulnerability to Climate Change in Eastern Ethiopia

Agricultural sector remains the main source of food and income for most rural communities in Ethiopia. Being dependent mainly on rainfall, this sector has been affected by climate change. Employing adaptation strategies to climate change within the agricultural sector is vital to ensure food security and to care for the livelihoods of farmers. This study has analyzed factors influencing the impact of climate change on food security and vulnerability of farm households to climate change in eastern Ethiopia. The study used data obtained from 330 households randomly and proportionately sampled from two agroecologies in East Hararghe Zone of Oromiya Region and Dire Dawa Administration, Ethiopia. The study used univariate probit models to identify factors affecting food security and vulnerability to climate change. Calorie intake per adult equivalent per day was employed as a food security indicator. The results indicated that the vulnerability of households to food insecurity due to climate change is likely to increase to 63% from its base year level of 55% suggesting that about 63% of the households are likely to fall into food insecurity in the near future. Food security status was determined by education of the household head, social participation, training to climate change, farming experience, family size, and fertilizer usage. The positive impact of climate change training sends a good signal to justify its intensification. The study also indicated the need to look into policies related to household food security enhancement and to minimizing vulnerability to climate change.