Abstract:
In developing countries the main livelihood is based on agriculture and it is characterized by
backward technologies and limited resources to attain food security by smallholder farmers.
The aim of this research is, therefore, to assess gender gap, extent of livelihood
diversification and its impact on household food security among smallholder coffee producers
at Jimma Zone Ethiopia. Multistage sampling procedures were employed to select 355 sample
respondents. Primary data were collected from three purposively selected kebeles using
interview scheduled, key informant interview, and focus group discussion. Both descriptive
and inferential data analysis methods, Household calorie acquisition, Harvard gender
analytical framework, Simpson livelihood diversification index and Endogenous switching
regression model were applied to for data analysis. The results of the study indicated that
45% of sample household diversify their livelihoods and 55% did not. About 43.8% and 56.1
% of sample households are food –secured and food-in secured respectively. The study result
indicates clearing and preparation of the land, digging of the hole, refilling of the soil,
plantation of the shade, seedling transportation and planting, mulching, hoeing and pruning
were mainly done by male, whereas; harvesting, drying and storage of coffee were
predominantly done by female. Binary logit result showed that sex, education level , livestock
holding, household size, total annual income, cooperative membership and land size were
significantly affected livelihood diversification of smallholder coffee producers at 1%, 5%
and 10% probability level. Moreover, the result of endogenous switching regression analysis
model showed that household involvement on livelihood diversification had positive and
significant impact on household calorie intake. Diversifications into non-arm and off- far
activities play essential role smallholder coffee producers which are holding of less than 1
hectare of land and rain-fed dependent agriculture. Households who diversified their
livelihood activities are the ones who able to build better asset and less vulnerable than the
undiversified ones and they are ensured their food security. Thus; it recommended that
government has to give consideration to support the livelihood diversification effort through
making suitable environment for farmers especially for women.
