Analysis of consumption pattern and food security status of cassava-based farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the food consumption patterns and food security status of cassava farmers in Imo State. Structured questionnaires  were administered to 100 cassava farmers. The findings revealed that the cassava farmers mean age, farming experience, and farm sizes  were 41 years, 22 years, and 0.66 hectares respectively. The food consumption pattern among the farming households showed that  carbohydrate, ranked highest in the list of food items consumed daily (garri (31.18%), fufu (18.33%), plantain, and yam (13.07%). Only 35%  of farming households were food secure, using the estimated Food Security Index of 0.003. The study recommends the implementation of pro-poor policies to boost farmers productivity and enhance balanced dietary food consumption among farmers.  Farm families will be better able to make food decisions if they are informed about the importance of a healthy diet.