A vast majority of the Ethiopian population lives in rural areas and agriculturalactivities are the main income for them. The aim of this study is to analyse soil productivityparameters and problems with food production in regional and local contexts. At local level twovillages in Wenchi district in West Shewa are compared while a comparison with Tehulederedistrict in South Wollo is done at the regional level. Soil samples from 70 fields were analysed atthe Soil Laboratory in Addis Ababa with respect to pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity,macronutrients, and soil texture among others. Physical observations and semi-structuredinterviews with farmers were also conducted to obtain the goals. When comparing the twodistricts, results indicate minor differences in terms of soil fertility. The very low amount oforganic content (1%) in Tehuledere must be mentioned though. Low values of organic contenthave a negative impact on soil productivity. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance to studyseveral parameters, such as farm area, livelihood assets and rainfall pattern to understand theproblems the rural population has to face to secure food production.