Determinants of Food Insecurity and Household Coping Strategies among Cassava Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the factors influencing food insecurity and household coping strategies among cassava farmers in Afijio Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to collect data from one hundred and twenty cassava farmers by the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, food security and coping strategy index, and logit regression model. The results showed average values of 43 years for age, 13 years for farming experience, 4 members per household, and 5 ha for farm size. The mean farm income was ₦866,825 and the non-farm income was ₦39,433. About 60.00% of the respondents were food insecure. Regression results reveal that educational level is significant and negatively influences food insecurity at 1%. Household size has a direct relationship with food insecurity and is significant at 1%. In addition, the age of the farmers, sex, and farm income also influenced household food insecurity in the study area. The study recommends that farmers should be enlightened on the benefit of education and therefore encouraged to enroll in school to improve their knowledge. Birth control policy should also be made to regulate the number of household members.