FOOD PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION IN THE HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA: THE MISSING LINK IN FOOD SYSTEMS

Abstract

This paper attempted the nexus of food production and consumption, and determinants of food consumption in Gudo Beret watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia. The study used cross-sectional data collected from 211 randomly selected households through interview. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were the key analytical techniques. Results revealed that households produced a gross yield of 1.5 ton and a net food supply of 1.1 ton per household which was equivalent to 274 kg of grain per adult per annum. The average food demand per capita was 323.8 kg per adult. It implies food production was inadequate for food consumption. Sex of household head being male, livestock holding, inorganic fertilizer, total land size, and market distance affected household food consumption positively whereas household size had negative impacts on household food energy. One of the current themes of the food systems is balancing food production and consumption. The government of Ethiopia should deliberate population policy with the intention that the rising population need to have adequate subsistence. In addition, women empowerment can enable them access to and control over food resources.