Department of Economics

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    The nexus between energy poverty and food poverty: Empirical evidence within Wereda Laelay Maychew Central Zone of Tigray region
    (Mekelle University, 2025-09-23) Zemichael G/yohans
    This study rigorously quantifies the causal effect of household energy poverty on the severity of food insecurity in Wereda Laelay Maychew, Central Zone of Tigray, addressing the critical methodological challenge of endogeneity present in previous correlation-based studies. The research employed a two-stage Control Function Approach (CFA), using geographic distance to the electricity grid as a valid instrumental variable. This allowed for unconfounded estimation of the impact on the Household Food Insecurity Access Score (HFIA_Score_27), a continuous count variable, via a corrected Poisson regression model. The formal endogeneity test conclusively validated the necessity of the CFA correction (P<0.001). The corrected estimates established a robust, positive, and highly significant causal relationship. Specifically, the Average Marginal Effect (AME) revealed that being classified as energy poor causes the expected HFIA_Score_27 to increase by an average of 15.72 units (P<0.001). This strong quantitative evidence moves beyond mere association, establishing energy poverty as a fundamental structural determinant that significantly compromises food security. The findings necessitate an integrated policy framework prioritizing substantial investment in clean, affordable household energy access as an essential strategy for sustainable reductions in food insecurity.
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    IMPACT OF SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY ON FARM HOUSEHOLD WELFARE IN TAHTAY MAYCHEW WEREDA, TIGRAY REGION, NORTH ETHIOPIA
    (Mekelle University, 2025-08-25) ALEMSHET YIHDEGO
    Methodology: This study investigates the impact of small-scale irrigation technology (SSIT) on farm household welfare in Tahtay Maychew Wereda, Tigray Region, North Ethiopia, focusing on three kebeles Hadi Shadi, May Sye, and May Berazyo with a combined population of 24,640. Despite the increasing adoption of SSIT, empirical evidence on its socio-economic and genderrelated impacts in this drought-prone region remains limited. Employing a mixed methods approach, the study surveyed 200 households (150 SSIT adopters and 50 non-adopters), complemented by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative analysis utilized descriptive statistics, Probit regression, and Propensity Score Matching to assess impacts on income, food security, and women’s empowerment. Results: Findings reveal that SSIT adoption significantly enhances household welfare, increasing annual income by 78% (32,400 ETB vs. 18,200 ETB), improving dietary diversity, reducing food shortages (24% vs. 62%), and boosting women’s decision-making and income control (empowerment index: 0.58 vs. 0.32). Adoption is driven by education, landholding size, and access to extension and credit services, though challenges like seasonal water shortages (52%), equipment scarcity (43%), and labor demands (37%) persist. Conclusion: The study concludes that SSIT is a transformative tool for rural livelihoods and gender equity but requires stronger institutional support and infrastructure to ensure sustainability. Recommendations include expanding extension services, subsidizing equipment, and improving water management to maximize SSIT’s impact.
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    Determinant of Urban Households’ Food Insecurity: The Case of Mekelle City
    (Mekelle University, 2025-02-23) Getnet Ashagrie
    This study seeks to analyze food insecurity issues by assessing socio-economic factors that impact the food insecurity of households in urban areas of Mekelle City. The analysis was based on survey data gathered from 397 urban households selected using a simple random sampling procedure. Primary and secondary data were used. The data regarding household determinants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a binary logit model. The survey result showed that about 27.71% and 72.29% of sample respondents were food insecure and secure, respectively. The empirical results estimated using the survey data to identify the determinants of food insecurity among urban households in the study area revealed mixed impressions. Among the variables considered, age of the household head, income of the household, house ownership, and household food expenditure had a statistically significant effect on food insecurity in the study area. This study adds to the literature by contextualizing urban food insecurity within Sen's Entitlement Framework and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework in post-conflict areas. Most importantly, the study has delivered findings that call for targeted interventions on income diversification, affordable housing, and gender-responsive policies. This is followed by practical recommendations for policymakers, underscoring the need for context-specific approaches to urban food insecurity in conflict-affected areas.