Bundling the adoption of conservation tillage improved crop variety and crop diversification in Ethiopia: Implications for food security

Abstract

Bundling the adoption of different adaptation strategies is useful in reducing multiple agricultural risks, building the resilience and supporting food security. This study analyses the effect of bundled adoption of conservation tillage, improved crop variety, and crop diversification on household food security in Ethiopia. In this study, a quantitative survey approach was used to gather household data using structured questionnaires. The data were gathered from randomly selected drought-prone districts of the Wolaita zone (southwest Ethiopia), which is often characterized by severe soil erosion, frequent rainfall variability, fragmented landholding, and poor plot tenure system, all of which threaten household food security. Household interview data were analyzed by the means of a multinomial endogenous switching model. Using the principal component analysis, the adoption of different adaptation strategies was bundled into three key components: conservation tillage, improved crop varieties, and crop diversification. The results showed that greater food security outcomes were achieved with the bundled adoption of conservation tillage, improved crop varieties, and crop-legume production compared to either of the single adoption. Adopters of the three bundles were 32.29% more food secure in terms of household food consumption score and 24.46% more food secure based on the scores of dietary diversity. The adoption of the three bundled climate change adaptation strategies was significantly influenced by the gender of the household head, farm size, and value of productive farm assets, implying that socioeconomic conditions are important factors affecting the adoption of bundled strategies and household food security. To promote bundling of adaptation strategies, frequent provision of agricultural extension services, active participation in farmer/female peers, and empowerment of women should be maintained through continuous education and gendered training.

Keywords:

• adaptation strategies
• soil productivity
• water scarcity
• food security
• multi-method design
• Sub-Saharan Africa

Acknowledgments

Special thanks goes to three anonymous reviewers.

Authors’ contribution

The entire author contributed to this manuscript

Availability of data and materials

Data and materials can be accessed on special request with permission from the Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia, and the author.

Competing interests

There is no competing interest on the manuscript.

Ethical approval and consent to participate

Ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethical Approval Committee of Wolaita Sodo University.

Additional information

Funding

I would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Wolaita Sodo University to accomplish the research work.

Notes on contributors

Sisay Belay Bedeke

Dr. Sisay Belay Bedeke is working as an Assistant Professor in The Department of Rural Developmen, Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia. Bedeke’s Research areas include climate change vulnerability, community reslaince, economics of climate smart innovation, food security, sustainble agriculture, aagricultural extension. He published many research articles in various international peer reviewed journals. Bedeke undetook several consultancy work for different GOs and NGOs in Ethiopia and beyound. He also worked in the capacity of Research and Documentation Officer in Wolaita Sodo University.