Impact of agricultural diversification and off-farm income on food security of rural households in northwest Ethiopia: A dose-response analysis

Abstract

Food insecurity is a colossal and universal problem in developing countries like Ethiopia and the situation is grave in rural areas. To increase household food security in rural areas, agriculture must be diversified and off-farm jobs must be promoted. This study examines the effect of farm diversification and off-farm employment opportunities on food security in Bure, Dangila and Bahirdar Zuria districts in northwest Ethiopia. Cross-sectional data were generated from 295 randomly selected rural households. We used generalized linear regression model for estimating dose-response functions adjusted for generalized propensity score as treatments were continuous and not necessarily normally distributed. The findings revealed that diversifying crops during rainy season production up to a certain level of intensity (0.3) and specialization in dry season have enhanced food consumption and dietary diversity in the study areas. Livestock diversity has also improved food security mainly from diverse food groups (0.6). The paper recommends households focus on cash crops production to increase income during dry season, and promoting diversification up to certain level during rainy season to increase food security through subsistence and income pathways. Offfarm employment is also suggested as a means of enhancing household resilience to withstand shocks and improve agricultural productivity.