Addressing food insecurity in Nigeria: a practical guide to disbursing government cash transfers and food aid to vulnerable citizens

Abstract

Due to many Nigerians' deteriorating food security status, this study provides a practical guide to assist the government in identifying highly food-insecure households across the country. Using Maxwell and Caldwell's coping strategies index approach, this study found that food insecurity is more concentrated in rural areas than in urban areas. It was also found that the coping strategies employed by households in both communities include eating less preferred food, limiting meal consumption and buying food on credit. Based on the findings, the study proposes an effective and accountable approach for targeting highly food-insecure households across Nigeria's 774 local government areas.