Determinant of Urban Households’ Food Insecurity: The Case of Mekelle City

Abstract

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.