Food Price Changes, Household Food and Nutrition Security in Ethiopia: Evidence From Household Level Analysis Through a Gender Lens

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of food price changes on food security and diet quality in Ethiopia using recent Living Standard Measurement Surveys. Household-level food security and diet quality were assessed using the Household Diet Diversity Score, Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and proportion of food consumption expenditure. Employing a random effects panel regression and Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition, this study examined the differential effects of price changes across household types, guided by the Harvard gender analysis framework. The results of the study show that food prices significantly influence household food expenditure shares. Rising prices force households to allocate a greater income portion to food, often reducing non-food expenditures, especially for vulnerable groups such as female-headed and low-income households. Urban households with better access to diverse food and higher incomes exhibit lower foods expenditure shares than rural households. Dietary diversity declined, particularly among female-headed households and those aged 26–49, highlighting the influence of household size, income, and resource access. The findings of this study underscore the critical importance of addressing food price rises and their consequences for household food security in Ethiopia. Policy interventions aimed at stabilizing food prices, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and enhancing social safety nets are crucial for mitigating the adverse impacts of food price shocks on vulnerable populations. Furthermore, targeted interventions aimed at empowering women and addressing gender inequalities in access to resources and decision-making can help improve food security and nutrition outcomes for female-headed households.