Food Security and its Affect Among Rural Households Associated with Cooperative in Degahbur Woreda, Somali Region, Ethiopia: A Study

Abstract

In Ethiopia it has been found that many international agencies, development agents, government sectors, individual donors have provided funds to address to meet food security needs and to reduce poverty. In this context the role of cooperatives may play a significant role to procure sufficient stable food at grass route level in which all households can participate to enhancing food security needs and to lead happy and healthy life. The objective of this study is to examine the determinants of household food security among the cooperatives members based on the data collected from 120 respondents selected randomly in Degahbur Woreda, Somali Regional State. The study utilized both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data collection involved structured questionnaire interviews and focus group discussions, while secondary data was obtained through the review of documents related to the cooperative’s role in food security. The analysis of the gathered data was conducted using descriptive statistics and an econometric model, specifically a Binary Logit model. The study findings reveal that the status of food security among cooperative members is significantly influenced by factors such as the age of the household head, education level, total livestock owned by the household, and the sex of the household head. Additionally, households utilize various coping strategies during food insecurity, including the sale of firewood, charcoal, and livestock. The study findings suggest the necessity to enhance the educational level of cooperative members through education intervention programs and to boost livestock production and productivity by providing veterinary drug services,
sustainable forage development programs and enhancing the capacity of community animal health workers.