Journal Article

Gender disparities in food insecurity: evidence from war-affected rural Tigray, Ethiopia

Gebresilassie, Yibrah Hagos, Gebrihet, Hafte Gebreselassie

2025

Overview

This study examines gender disparities in food insecurity in war-affected rural Tigray, Ethiopia, focusing on the structural and socioeconomic factors that disproportionately affect female-headed households. Using non-linear Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition analysis, this study analyses data from 1,060 households surveyed in May and June 2024. The study found that 62.57% of the gender gap in food insecurity is explained by differences in resource endowments, such as livestock holdings, annual farm income, and dependency ratios. Armed conflict exacerbated food insecurity, increasing vulnerability by 58.39%, with women affected by displacement, loss of livelihood, and caregiving responsibilities. Furthermore, 26.43% of the gender gap remains unexplained, indicating deeper systemic inequalities. Livestock holdings accounted for 32.45% of the gender gap, whereas lower farm income accounted for 15.58%. Education played a significant role in reducing food insecurity, as female-headed households with secondary education face an 11.28% lower risk of food insecurity. Widowed female-headed households had a 14.32% higher likelihood of food insecurity. The findings underscore the necessity for gender-sensitive policies to address food insecurity, advocating for evidence-based interventions to improve access to education, livestock, and humanitarian aid. These measures are critical for reducing disparities and building resilience in conflict-affected regions.

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
• Subject: Decomposition / food insecurity / gender / rural / Tigray / war