Exploring the nexus between forest resource use, livelihood strategies, and household food security in Ethiopia

Abstract

Forest-dwelling communities engage in several livelihood strategies, including forest resource collection, to improve and fulfill their livelihood goals. This study examines the intricate relationship among forest resource utilization, livelihood strategies, and food security among rural households in a forest landscape in southwest Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to identify 384 households. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. A Multinomial Logit (MNL) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was employed to examine the determinants of household livelihood diversification, while a Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression (MESR) was used to evaluate the impact of livelihood diversification on food security. Results show that 66.67% households have diversified their livelihood. A livelihood strategy in the study area ranges from single (subsistence agriculture) to a mix of livelihood portfolios, which are derived by several factors. Livestock size positively influenced diversification into non-farm and forest-based strategies. Annual income, access to training and exposure shocks enhances livelihood diversification into a combination of all livelihood strategies. MESR output reveal that non-farming activities increase farm households’ food consumption score (FCS) by 4.01 (6.61%), while a combination of all livelihood strategies improves FCS by 2.83 (4.75%). Participation in forest activity reduces food insecurity prevalence by 0.52 (14.75%). Overall, integrating livelihood portfolios and natural resource-based activities can strengthen household resilience and nutritional outcomes. The study suggests that stakeholders should promote integrated livelihood strategies and sustainable forest management practices to ensure the long-term food security of forest-dwelling communities.