Paradox of Food and Nutrition Insecurity in Food Surplus Area of Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia

Food and nutrition insecurity are inability to access adequate amount of nutritious foods to meet dietary needs for a productive and healthy life. However, food and nutrition insecurity, in some part of Ethiopia, is very high though food is not scarce. Therefore, a survey was conducted to investigate food consumption and dietary habits of the population in the district. A questionnaire and focus group discussions were used for data collection. Data were collected on available food sources and habits of consumption in purposively selected four kebeles in the district. Data were specifically collected on utilization and eating habit of cereal grains, legumes, fruit, vegetables, and animal food sources. A total of 150 representative sample households were interviewed based on the population size of the study area. The result obtained from the survey indicated that cereal grains (34.9%), legumes & pulses (28.5%), fruit & vegetables (16.8%), meat and poultry (19.8%) products are commonly produced in many parts of the study area. The study indicated that the population entirely consumes cereal grains that are mainly sources of carbohydrate, with minimal consumption of other food types. Though there are surplus food items in the study area, there is poor utilization and undiversified consumption habit. This indicates that the area is vulnerable for food and nutrition insecurity. Therefore, knowledge on proper utilization of local existing food sources for enhancing food and nutrition security is essential. Awareness creation on benefits and preparation of balanced diet at household level from local food sources is a vital to improve food and nutrition security in the study area.