adoption of small-scale irrigation pathway for rural food security: key determinants and coping strategies in ethiopia

Food insecurity remains a critical challenge in sub-saharan africa despite favorable natural conditions. in ethiopia, rural households continue to face persistent food shortages, yet evidence on how small-scale irrigation affects food security at household level remains limited. this study assessed the food security status and coping strategies of households in the damota area of wolaita zone, southern ethiopia. primary data were collected from 130 households through a cross-sectional survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. results showed that 56.15% of households were food insecure, while 43.85% were food secure. household food security was significantly influenced by family size, age of household head, access to markets, education level, and livestock ownership. coping strategies varied by severity: at initial stages, households relied on labor migration, social support, credit purchases, and asset sales, while at severe stages; they turned to food-for-work programs, distress livestock sales, school dropout, food aid, and sale of production equipment. the study contributes localized evidence on the role of irrigation in enhancing food security and reducing reliance on negative coping strategies. findings highlight the need for policies that promote small-scale irrigation adoption, strengthen market access, and support diversified livelihood strategies for rural poor households. food insecurity remains a critical challenge in sub-saharan africa despite favorable natural conditions. in ethiopia, rural households continue to face persistent food shortages, yet evidence on how small-scale irrigation affects food security at household level remains limited. this study assessed the food security status and coping strategies of households in the damota area of wolaita zone, southern ethiopia. primary data were collected from 130 households through a cross-sectional survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. results showed that 56.15% of households were food insecure, while 43.85% were food secure. household food security was significantly influenced by family size, age of household head, access to markets, education level, and livestock ownership. coping strategies varied by severity: at initial stages, households relied on labor migration, social support, credit purchases, and asset sales, while at severe stages; they turned to food-for-work programs, distress livestock sales, school dropout, food aid, and sale of production equipment. the study contributes localized evidence on the role of irrigation in enhancing food security and reducing reliance on negative coping strategies. findings highlight the need for policies that promote small-scale irrigation adoption, strengthen market access, and support diversified livelihood strategies for rural poor households.