Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to get an insight in how food security for individual farming households will change depending on their choice of production. Furthermore, to study how the food supply in the local market has changed due to the transition of farming practices in surrounding farms. The study focuses on the comparison of the traditional system of agroforestry homegardens in Wondo Genet, Ethiopia, with a newer system of monoculture production of cash crops.

The well-functioning system of homegardens in Wondo Genet is since the 1990s undergoing a change towards monoculture production of cash crops. Where farmers try to meet the household needs for income. Also, population increase in the area has led to a reduction in farm size.

By interviewing farmers, traders and key informants in the area, the results show that cash crop production in favor of food production along with population growth and climate change are the main causes believed to affect food security as well as the supply of food products in the local market. It is concluded that current production of cash crops in Wondo Genet impedes food security of individual farming households as well as the food supply to the local market.

Possible remedies to the challenges of food security in Wondo Genet are promotion of climate resilient farming techniques along with making family planning accessible to the rural community.