Climate Change and Food Insecurity Among Pastoral Households: Assessing the Role of Information System-Based Early Warning Systems

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted in the Adadle district of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia to assess the extent of climate change-induced food insecurity among pastoral households and explore the role of information systems in mitigating its impact. Pastoral communities are highly vulnerable to climate-related shocks due to their dependence on climate-sensitive natural resources, making it crucial to investigate sustainable early warning strategies for food security enhancement.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the levels of household climate change-induced food insecurity and identify the role of information systems as an early warning strategy in mitigating food insecurity.

Methods: A total of 156 pastoral household respondents were selected through random sampling. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize household characteristics, while inferential analyses such as t-tests and chi-square (χ²) tests were used to examine relationships between household attributes and food insecurity. Additionally, logistic regression models were applied to explore determinants of food insecurity status.

Results: The findings revealed that 61% of the surveyed households were food insecure. Among these, 33% were marginally, 17% moderately, and 11% severely food insecure. Furthermore, more than two-thirds of the respondents acknowledged the importance of an integrated information system as a tool for early warning and climate adaptation.

Conclusions: The study highlights the critical role of information systems in addressing food insecurity challenges faced by pastoral communities under climate change stress. It emphasizes the need for increased food production, accessibility, and utilization, alongside capacity building to enhance resilience. The study recommends raising awareness among local communities on the value of information systems, fostering institutional development, improving access to climate-related data, and enhancing food and nutrition literacy to combat food insecurity effectively.