Livelihood diversification strategies and food security in the Weaving-based livelihood system of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract This study investigates livelihood diversity, income, and association with food security status of weaving-based households in the Chencha district of Southern Ethiopia. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 303 randomly selected households using household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. The result revealed that subsistence farming (52.1%) and weaving (38.6%) activities were reported as the primary and secondary main income sources of households. A majority of households (90.7%) diversified their livelihood. Based on income share, non-farm, on-farm, and off-farm income sources contributed, 72.96%, 25.3%, and 1.74% of total household income, respectively. Formal employment, weaving, barber/hairdresser, cattle production and sale, cereal production, and vegetable production (Potato) were highly paying livelihood activities in order. Households who combined on-farm, off-farm, and non-farm have gained far larger mean income followed by on-farm and non-farm strategies. Ordered Probit model results showed that landholding size, livestock holding size, and access to farmer training center (FTC) services have positively affected the extent of livelihood diversification. Positive association was found between livelihood diversification and the food security status of households. Thus, the majority of weaving-based livelihood groups diversify their livelihood activities to on-farm, off-farm, and non-farm activities. Hence, supporting the activity, increasing other livelihood options, and modernizing the system with appropriate training, education, and market linkage seems inevitable.