Analysis of food security among eucalyptus tree farming smallholder farmers in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: An application of a composite food security indicator.

This study examines the contribution of eucalyptus tree expansion on rural households' food security status, focusing on the specific context of Ethiopia. Eucalyptus trees pose a significant challenge to the rural food system, warranting investigation. A composite food security indicator was used, and data were collected through household surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression models were employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that among the sampled households, 31.2% were classified as food secured, 24.8% as intermediate food secured, and 44.0% as food insecured. Econometric estimations highlight the positive influence of variables such as total land holding and livestock on the likelihood of being in the food secured category. Moreover, a unit increase in income earned from the sale of eucalyptus trees leads to an 8.5% higher probability of being in the intermediate category, while decreasing the likelihood of falling into the categories of food insecurity by 8.1% and food security by 0.4%. Importantly, this study uncovers the diverse consequences of eucalyptus trees across different food security categories, suggesting that the planting of eucalyptus trees for improving rural livelihoods and food security must be tailored to specific household conditions. The research outcomes provide valuable insights for guiding future policies, practices, and research endeavors aimed at achieving a sustainable food system in rural Ethiopia.

Vulnerability management practices for sustainable livelihood security in drought-prone Gamo lowlands: An empirical insight from southwest Ethiopia.

Vulnerable people do not always absorb the occurring shocks instead they react to disasters employing multiple strategies. This study mainly aims to explore households' vulnerability management practices and their linkages with sustainable livelihood security in the drought-prone Gamo lowland setup. Through the multistage sampling technique, a total of 285 respondents were selected from the four sample kebeles. Primary data were collected using a survey questionnaire, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Secondary data were drawn from published and unpublished materials. A mix of the qualitative dominant mixed methods of data analysis was employed. The newly formulated Vulnerability Management for Survival (VMS) framework is used to schematize people's survival strategies and challenges. It was found that the Gamo lowland households pursue multiple vulnerability management practices like liquidation, adopting drought-resistant crops, livelihood diversification, destocking, engagements in off-farm activities, remittance, and reciprocity. These practices are linked with households' livelihood security wherein effective management of vulnerabilities yields secured and sustained livelihoods among the implications. To sustainably enhance rural invulnerability, strengthening people's survival strategies like reciprocity, participation in financial institutions, water harvesting, area closure, afforestation and reforestation, and access to information are recommended.