Food insecurity coping strategies in conflict affected areas of northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Albeit various factors are responsible for the rise of food insecurity and hunger at the global level, conflict has been identified as a key driver. The recurrent conflict in most developing countries leaves food insecurity a serious concern. Though little is known, the fact that many households in the conflict-affected areas are considered to be food insecure raises the question of how these households survive conflict-induced food insecurity. This study therefore, assessed the copping strategies employed by households in conflict affected areas of north eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using questionnaire survey on 388 households, nine Focus Group Discussion, and 15 key informant interviews. Mixed research design was employed. The major finding of the study revealed that food insecurity were high (66.5%) during the conflict time. Compared to urban households, rural households are more vulnerable to food insecurity in the conflict affected areas. Similarly, female headed households were more food insecure than male headed households in the conflict context. Additionally, eight major categories of coping strategies were identified. Some of the strategies implemented in the conflict affected study areas for example fasting, and eating traditional foods usually were unique to the conflict contexts. Relying on the economic conditions of the nations, copping strategies practiced by households in the conflict affected area differ from country to country.