The aim of this thesis is to identify the determining factors of food insecurity in two contrasting farming systems in the Sidama zone of southern Ethiopia. Using a mix-method case study research design, it is therefore filtering variables through which climate impacts affect food security. These transcend social, economic, and ecological factors. Beyond showing the degree of farmers vulnerability to climate change, the study discuses the multiple strategies used by food insecure farmers in responding the decreased access to food. However, the deployed strategies are not only differs between the study contexts and household characteristics but also they are less effective to deal with the climate change and other non-climatic factors. The thesis conclude that various forms of interventions that comprehend the local contexts and household characteristics and social protection are required to improve the farmers’ adaptive capacity to deal with climate change and thus to achieve long-term food security.

climate change, socio-politico-economic factors, food insecurity, coping and adaptation strategies, boricha, wensho, Southern Ethiopia