Several activities are being undertaken to improve the livelihood of poor households by governments and NGOs in developing countries including Ethiopia. As women constitute about half of the total population in Ethiopia, it is important to see their role in improving household’s food security. This study provides an assessment of the role of women’s participation in ensuring food security at household level in Ebinat district, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
A purposive sampling technique was employed to select the district and random sampling technique was used for the selection of the study kebeles (the smallest administration unit in Ethiopia). Since sampling unit was household, both women and men were consulted. The study basically considered Productive Safety Net program (PSNP) and Non-farm Income Generating Activities (IGA) as major means of ensuring food security at household level. The researcher used the following formula in selecting appropriate sample size:
The data was analyzed using descriptive research method. And the result showed that women are the major participants of such activities where their roles are unrecognized by the local government as well as by their male counterparts. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government, NGOs and local authorities should build the capacity of households through short and long term training as to how women’s role should be acknowledged. To ensure food security at household level, policy makers need to identify the most appropriate and relevant context of households as well as vulnerable groups. By doing so, their positive role will be maintained.
