THE CONTRIBUTION OF SMALLHOLDER ONION PRODUCTION TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY: A CASE STUDY OF KOBO TOWN, AMHARA, ETHIOPIA.

ABSTRACT
Agriculture plays a vital role in Ethiopia’s economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and supporting domestic consumption. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the contribution of smallholder onion production to household food security in Kobo Town using a cross-sectional survey data. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 110 sample households. Primary data were collected from household survey, focus group discussion and key informant interview. Different documents were used to collect secondary data. Descriptive statistics like mean, percentage distribution and inferential statistics like, t-test, chi 2 to analyze data. The results showed that households engaged in onion production were generally more likelihood of being food secured compared to non-producing households. Onion farming significantly increased household income, created employment opportunities, and facilitated asset accumulation. Income from onion sales also helped households meet essential needs of food and non-food expenses such as education fee, healthcare, and ceremonial expenses. Food security was measured using one of a commonly known measurement of food security status known as food consumption score. There was a significant food consumption difference between onion producer and non-producer sample households at 10 % chi square significant level. So, onion producer households were more food secured than non-producer households in the study area. The study identified several opportunities for enhancing onion production, including the availability of water and land resources, existing irrigation schemes, well-organized farmer cooperatives, infrastructure development, and rising market demand. However, key challenges were also highlighted, including internal conflict, limited access to quality seeds, price fluctuations, disease outbreaks, and credit shortages. To fully realize the potential of onion production, the study recommends addressing these challenges through continuous monitoring, adapting crop calendars, improving access to modern agricultural inputs, and enhancing market and credit services. Implementing these recommendations could substantially boost onion production and improve the status of household food security farmers in the study area.
Key words: Food Security, Household Food Security, Contribution, Onion Production, Kobo Town, Ethiopia.