Rural food security and living standard in humid zones of Nigeria

Viac o knihe

Food insecurity significantly contributes to poverty in Nigeria, particularly affecting rural smallholder farmers. This book examines the factors influencing food insecurity and low living standards among families in Nigeria's humid zones, employing a farming systems approach. Primary data was gathered through a multistage stratified sampling procedure from 31 villages in Osun state, utilizing descriptive statistics, econometric analysis, and goal-programming models. The study reveals that poor infrastructure and limited input and resource availability are key contributors to low living standards and food insecurity. Findings indicate that 59% of households are calorie sufficient, while 41% are deficient. The modeling results highlight the adverse effects of increasing risk factors on production decisions, alongside resource underutilization and misallocation driven by risk-averse behaviors. This suggests a significant potential for farm families to achieve food security through targeted interventions. Impact assessments underscore the necessity for improved cropping practices, access to credit, land tenure reforms, and enhancements in the cocoa sector to bolster food security effectively.