Abstract:
Despite significant efforts to reduce hunger and poverty, global hunger levels have remained
alarmingly high in recent years. Albeit various factors are responsible for the rise of food
insecurity and hunger at the global level, conflict has been identified as a key driver. This
dissertation assessed and analyzed the resilience of household livelihoods to conflict-induced
food insecurity in northeastern Ethiopia by examining changes in livelihood assets, strategies,
and coping mechanisms across different phases of conflict and livelihood zones. Using a mixed methods approach, the study draws on primary data collected from 388 randomly selected
households across urban and rural districts in conflict-affected areas. Quantitative data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), multiple linear regression,
and the FAO’s Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (Shiny RIMA) framework.
Qualitative insights were generated through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions
with community members, along with key informant interviews involving local and zonal
government officials. The findings reveal that conflict significantly disrupted access to physical,
financial, and human assets, while also weakening of the social institutions and degrading of the
natural resources. ANOVA results showed significant differences in household income and food
security status across the three time periods (pre-, during-, and post-conflict), with p < 0.001.
Household access to safe drinking water, education, and healthcare had varied significantly by
location and time (e.g., mean annual income dropped from ETB 47,196 pre-conflict to ETB
24,002 during the conflict; p < 0.000). Regression analysis results showed that ownership of
agricultural land, livestock holding, access to agricultural subsidy, engagement in none and off
farm activities and membership in social organizations have significantly influenced the rural
households’ income after the conflict. Exposure and sensitivity to conflict (asset loss, death and
displacement) were conversely negatively associated with the rural household livelihood
outcome. House ownership for both residence and rent, income from other household members,
and exposure and sensitivity to conflict were on the contrary found significantly influencing the
urban household income after the conflict. The RIMA analysis confirmed a decline in the
Resilience Capacity Index (RCI) from 61.4 pre-conflict to 36.5 post-conflict, highlighting
reduced absorptive and adaptive capacities. Qualitative findings supported the quantitative
trends, revealing that households adopted diverse coping strategies, including food reduction,
borrowing, selling assets, informal trade, and social resource pooling. However, these strategies
were often unsustainable and harmful in the long term, particularly for female-headed
households. Hence, the conflict in the area negatively affected the livelihood, livelihood
strategies and resilience capacity of households in the area. The findings suggest that
strengthening household resilience requires interventions that support livelihood recovery,
restoration of productive assets, access to basic services, and social support systems.
Investments in agricultural rehabilitation, livelihood diversification, infrastructure
reconstruction, and resilience-building programs are therefore essential for enhancing
household food security and sustainable recovery in conflict-affected areas of northeastern
Ethiopia.