Determinants of food insecurity in rural households: A case of lemo district, southern Ethiopia

Despite the increasing global concern of improving food security, the determinants of food insecurity at household level in the rural areas have been poorly known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze determinants of food insecurity at household level. A total of 383 households were selected using multistage sampling techniques. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. The result revealed that odds of illiterate households were 2.376 times more likely than educated households to experience food insecurity in the rural areas (ref. (Coef. = 0.865, OR = 2.376, P = 0.006)). Households with landholdings of more than half hectare were less likely to experience food insecurity. (ref. (Coef. = 1.982, OR = 7.260, P = 0.000)). Odds of households who engaged in off-farm activities were 0.204 times less likely to experience food insecurity. (ref. (Coef. = −1.588, OR = 0.204, P = 0.000)). Households who adopt farm technologies were less likely to experience food insecurity than those who do not adopt farm technology (ref. (Coef. = −1.086, OR = 0.337, P = 0.001)). Odds of higher-aged household heads were 6.141 times more likely to experience food insecurity than younger-aged household heads (ref. (Coef. = 1.815, OR = 6.141, P = 0.000)). Larger household sizes were less likely to experience food insecurity (ref. (Coef. = −2.423, OR = 0.089, P = 0.000)). In conclusion, understanding determinants of food insecurity at household level is essential to achieve food security in rural areas. Results suggest implementation of the effective developmental programs are needed to reduce food insecurity in rural areas.