Effect of Social Networks on Food Security Status: The Case of Maize Producing Farmers in Ethiopia

Abstract

Social networks are said to play crucial role in improving livelihoods. Farming communities in Ethiopia have strong social networks which provided them a means to exchange information, resources and serve them as a mechanism for ensuring social safety-net. This study was conducted with an objective of investigating whether social network have role in improving food security status of farm households. The study used data collected from 830 households in major maize growing regions of Ethiopia; namely, Oromia, SNNP and Benishangul Gumuz. Six variables that explain social network were included in a multinomial logit model to influence their effect on status of food security. Households were categorized in four food security status category (Food shortage throughout the year, Occasional food shortage, No food shortage but no surplus-self-sufficient and Food surplus). The model estimate indicated two social network variables: No of relatives living within village HH depend on for information and support & No of non-relatives living within village HH depend on for information and support, were found significantly influencing food security indicating that food security play role in improving food security in Ethiopia.