Assessing Urban Food Security Challenges in Gondar, Ethiopia: A Systematic Study on Household Vulnerability and Policy Implications.

Abstract

Food security is a paramount issue, particularly in developing nations like Ethiopia. Much of the existing research focuses on identifying the factors and constraints of households related to rural areas. However, little attention has been paid to urban householders' food security and insecurity. To this end, a study has been conducted in Gondar to evaluate urban household food security, sampling 357 homes. Results revealed that 67% of male-headed households were food secure and 33% were food insecure, while 72% of female-headed households were found food insecure and 28% were found food secure. Tenants faced higher insecurity (77%) versus homeowners (12%). The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke model highlighted 53% incidence, 14% depth, and 5.4% severity of insecurity. Tackling 15% of calorie needs could eradicate it with proactive regional governance. Binary logistic modelling identified gender, homeownership, income, marital status, remittance, and credit access as significant factors (p < 0.01). The study underscores the need for tailored programs focusing on income, stable pricing, housing, and low-interest loans which are crucial for addressing overcoming urban food insecurity.