Unpacking Food Security Beyond the Plate: A Deep Dive into Food Security Dimensions in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Food security is inherently multidimensional, yet most studies rely on single indicators, limiting their usefulness for evidence-based policymaking and rural development strategies. This study applies a Multidimensional Food Insecurity (MFI) Composite Index to assess household-level food insecurity in Chencha District, Southern Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from 303 households using six core indicators: HFIAS, CSI, FCS, HDDS, rCSI, and SAFS. Descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and ANOVA reveal that 94.72% of households experience food insecurity, with 66.01% classified as severely insecure. Households report anxiety over food supply, cereal-dominated diets, and limited access to high-value, nutrient-rich foods. Common coping strategies include meal reduction, consumption of seed reserves, and borrowing food. Significant disparities across MFI categories are associated with education level, income diversification, employment status, mobile phone access, and asset ownership. These findings highlight the importance of multidimensional metrics in designing agri-food policies and call for targeted interventions to strengthen rural livelihoods, build resilience, and improve food system sustainability in Ethiopia’s highland regions.