Analysis of food security among eucalyptus tree farming smallholder farmers in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: An application of a composite food security indicator

This study examines the contribution of eucalyptus tree expansion on rural households' food security status, focusing on the specific context of Ethiopia. Eucalyptus trees pose a significant challenge to the rural food system, warranting investigation. A composite food security indicator was used, and data were collected through household surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression models were employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that among the sampled households, 31.2% were classified as food secured, 24.8% as intermediate food secured, and 44.0% as food insecured. Econometric estimations highlight the positive influence of variables such as total land holding and livestock on the likelihood of being in the food secured category. Moreover, a unit increase in income earned from the sale of eucalyptus trees leads to an 8.5% higher probability of being in the intermediate category, while decreasing the likelihood of falling into the categories of food insecurity by 8.1% and food security by 0.4%. Importantly, this study uncovers the diverse consequences of eucalyptus trees across different food security categories, suggesting that the planting of eucalyptus trees for improving rural livelihoods and food security must be tailored to specific household conditions. The research outcomes provide valuable insights for guiding future policies, practices, and research endeavors aimed at achieving a sustainable food system in rural Ethiopia.