Determinants of Household Food Insecurity in Kemisse Special Zone: Case Study at Dawachefa Wereda, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to explore the determinants of household food insecurity in Dawachefa wereda. To achieve the intended objectives of the study descriptive case study was used by the researchers. The necessary data for this study was collected from primary and secondary sources. In this case, primary data were collected from respondents through interview, focus group discussion and personal observation. On the other hand, secondary sources were collected from books, articles and other literatures. In addition, to select the study areas and resourceful persons the researchers used purposive (judgmental) sampling technique. Accordingly, two kebeles, namely Woledi and Tucha were selected. Consequently, the data gained from respondents through primary and secondary sources was analyzed qualitatively in words (through descriptive manner via triangulations). Furthermore, the finding of this study shows that the natural factors like, environmental crisis, unpredictability of rainfall, soil erosion and socio-economic factors such as traditional practices and farming system, population pressure, poor infrastructure were identified as the determinants of household food insecurity in the study area. The study also found some limitations with regard to lack of good governance issues, incapacity to implementing poverty-focused growth policies in the area. Finally, the study explored some survival strategies used by households to mitigate the impacts of food insecurity.