Comparative multidimensional analysis of agroforestry's impact on food security: A study of households in the Awi Zone Highlands, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study assesses the food security condition of Acacia-based agroforestry (ABA) user and non-user households in Awi Zone highlands, Ethiopia, using a composite approach. Purposive and random samplings were employed to select sample districts and households. Data were collected through questionnaires, discussions, and interviews, and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results showed that 42.2% of the households (46.9% ABA-users, 37.5% non-users) were food-secure, while 57.8% were food-insecure. ABA-users’ composite food security index was significantly higher than non-users (P<0.05), signifying ABA's contributions. Livestock and farmland size, participation in off-farm activities, irrigation access, plantation experiences, and perceived soil quality positively affected food security, while age, family size, credit access, and market distance negatively impacted it. Addressing lavish sociocultural practices, and intensifying agroforestry helps to combat food insecurity.