Does crop diversification determine household nutrition security? Empirical evidence based on mixed methods research approach

Abstract

Agriculture plays a key role in nutrition security by enabling farm households to access micronutrient-rich foods through their income. This study evaluated the impact of crop diversity on nutrition security among rural households in Sinana Woreda, Oromia Region. Using multi-level and random sampling, data were collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Anthropometric measurements were taken for children in the study. The analysis employed Pearson Correlation coefficients, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression to assess the relationship between crop diversification and child nutrition. Findings indicated that greater crop diversity improved child diets and reduced malnutrition rates stunting (23.81%), underweight (21.16%), and wasting (9.52%). Crop diversification was negatively correlated with stunting and underweight while positively correlating with wasting and dietary diversity scores. Factors influencing child nutrition included household head age, parental education, farmland size, livestock units, water availability, child sex, sanitation access, income, and health services. The study suggests that promoting crop diversification can enhance nutrition security, emphasizing the need for policies that consider economic and agro-ecological contexts.