This book draws attention to the livelihood and food security situation of women farmers, a topic largely neglected by academic studies. It elucidates in a detailed empirical examination, the impact of informal social institutions on food security and coping strategies of these households in the Meskan district of southern Ethiopia. The area is environmentally and socially challenged. The results develop an understanding of the gender dimension of food (in)security and present important implications for public policy. (Series: Spectrum. Berlin Series on Society, Economy and Politics in Developing Countries / Spektrum. Berliner Reihe zu Gesellschaft, Wirtschaft und Politik in Entwicklungslandern - Vol. 110) Subject: Sociology, African Studies, Women's Studies, Gender Studies, Agricultural Studies]