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Research Article
Impact of Small-scale Irrigation on Rural Household Food Security in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Matusala Meskele Ossa,
Yisehak Ossa Jokka*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
84-97
Received:
22 May 2026
Accepted:
11 June 2026
Published:
3 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijae.20261104.11
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Abstract: This study assesses the impact of small-scale irrigation (SSI) schemes on rural household food security in Sodo Zuria Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. SSI is crucial for improving livelihoods and reducing food insecurity, a persistent challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in disaster-prone areas where many households have long relied on food aid. By boosting agricultural productivity, irrigation is a key strategy for meeting the needs of a rapidly growing population. The research used data from randomly selected households, both irrigation users and non-users. Food security status was measured by daily calorie intake, and analysis employed descriptive statistics, a logit regression model, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to estimate irrigation impact. Results revealed that irrigation users were more food secure, with higher annual food consumption expenditure and better access, availability, and stability indicators. PSM confirmed a significant positive effect of irrigation on household income and food consumption, highlighting SSI’s role in enhancing rural food security. Annual food consumption expenditure was positively and significantly associated with household food security at the 1% level. Household purchasing power and the ability to meet food needs either through own production or market purchases. Higher food expenditure often indicates better economic status, which enables households to invest in irrigation and related agricultural improvements, thereby reducing vulnerability to food insecurity.
Abstract: This study assesses the impact of small-scale irrigation (SSI) schemes on rural household food security in Sodo Zuria Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. SSI is crucial for improving livelihoods and reducing food insecurity, a persistent challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in disaster-prone areas where many households have long relied on food ...
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Research Article
Camel Milk Commercialization: Determinants of Milk Marketing and Input Purchasing Decisions in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
98-110
Received:
15 June 2026
Accepted:
29 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijae.20261104.12
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Abstract: Demand for animal products is increasing, and pastoralists can seize the opportunity to advance food security and economic development. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine how pastoralists' demographics, physical assets, and human capital relate to decision-making and the extent of market participation. Binary and multiple linear regression were performed at a 0.05 level of significance. A mixed-methods approach was employed to collect information, including Focus Group Discussions with different camel milk-producing and marketing stakeholders, facilitated by the researcher and staff from the Livestock Departments. Qualitative content analysis, involving repeated readings, was employed to identify recurrent patterns and themes. Quantitative data analysis involved determining means and applying a double-hurdle model, with a binary regression in the first stage followed by linear regression in the second stage for the decision and extent of market participation, respectively. Coefficients for every variable of regression were at a 0.05 level of significance. Pastoralists who had other sources of income were 86% and 79% in Isiolo and Marsabit counties, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of participating in milk sales were lower among households that were not accessing extension services (OR=0.186, p<0.05). Extension services were associated with a 38.9% increase in extent of milk sales during the dry season, while additional years of experience were associated with a 18.5% decrease (p < 0.05). Larger herd sizes significantly increased the proportion of milk sold in the dry season but reduced the percentage sold during the wet season. This is because the local demand in dry periods encouraged more sales. The study recommends strengthening extension institutions through policy formulation and implementation. Indigenous methods of increasing milk shelf life were found to have other negative effects. Therefore, investing in cold chain infrastructure could significantly enhance the efficiency, safety, and profitability of the camel milk value chain. Information generated will give policy guidelines on areas to emphasize for socio-economic development in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
Abstract: Demand for animal products is increasing, and pastoralists can seize the opportunity to advance food security and economic development. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine how pastoralists' demographics, physical assets, and human capital relate to decision-making and the extent of market participation. Binary and multiple linear reg...
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Research Article
Arable Crop Farmers Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies: Socioeconomic Differential Perspective in Southwest Nigeria
Damilola Rike Adejumo,
Abeeb Babatunde Omotoso*
,
Mojirayo Ayooluwa Ayodele
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
111-116
Received:
2 March 2026
Accepted:
13 March 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijae.20261104.13
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Abstract: Food insecurity remains a critical challenge among arable crop farmers in Nigeria, particularly in Southwest, where socio-economic vulnerabilities and climatic shocks continue to undermine food availability and accessibility. This study investigates the coping strategies adopted by arable crop farmers in the face of food insecurity, aiming to provide insights for policy interventions. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 480 respondents across key agricultural zones in Oyo State. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentage rankings of coping strategies. Findings reveal that the most frequently adopted coping mechanisms include allowing children to eat first (27.3%), eating once a day (37.2%), and selling household assets (16.5%). Other strategies such as reducing food quality, picking leftover food at events, and begging for food were less commonly reported, possibly due to associated stigma or cultural reservations. Additionally, a significant proportion of respondents (57%) occasionally bought food on credit, while 59.5% relied on food assistance from relatives or friends. These coping strategies reflect both adaptive and erosive responses, with implications for long-term food system resilience and household welfare. The study concludes that food insecurity among arable crop farmers in Oyo State triggers a range of short-term coping mechanisms, many of which may compromise future livelihoods and productivity. It is recommended that government and development agencies strengthen rural social protection programs, enhance farmers' access to credit and productive assets, and promote community-based food support systems.
Abstract: Food insecurity remains a critical challenge among arable crop farmers in Nigeria, particularly in Southwest, where socio-economic vulnerabilities and climatic shocks continue to undermine food availability and accessibility. This study investigates the coping strategies adopted by arable crop farmers in the face of food insecurity, aiming to provi...
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