An assessment of the role of Kale Heywet Church on household food security in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Food insecurity is one of the most important development challenges in Ethiopia. To reduce food insecurity, the current government has adopted various policies. Amongst policies employed by the government are, namely: Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI) of 1995, which focus on national level; and the Food Security Strategy (FSS) which gives emphasis to household food security. As partner in development process, the Kale Heywet Church Development Program (KHCDP) has been implementing development projects in Southern Ethiopia to improve household food security. In this study, an attempt is made to assess the role of Kale KHCDP on household food security in southern Ethiopia. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from 109 sample households in Baso and Kuto Peasant Associations (PAs) of the Kucha District in Southern Ethiopia. More specifically, household questionnaire, focus groups, and individual or key informant interviews were applied to gather primary data from the field. The study also used secondary sources to review relevant information. The study found that KHCDP has played a critical role in promoting household food security by implementing different strategies to increase food production and income. The study, however, pointed out that KHCDP household food security strategies are weak in terms of creating access to inputs and technologies; promoting water resource utilizations; and providing extension and follow-up support. The study also identified low level of household participation and risks in long-term sustainability of food security interventions. Therefore, this study suggests that KHCDP needs to review its strategies and extension approaches.