Household Food Security In Imo State: A Reflection Of Nigerian Situation

Abstract

The main objectives of the study were to evaluate the food security status of households in Owerri agricultural area of Imo state, isolate the determinants of household food security and ascertain the coping strategies adopted by the people against food insecurity in the area. Six Local government councils in the area were surveyed. The sample size comprised 90 households who were randomly selected and interviewed. Analysis of the data showed that the main determinants of household food security in the area are income, household size, education, price of staple food, and sex of household head. The results of the analysis further showed that the per capita calorie intake of the people is 1990 kcal/day while the average household size and dependency ratio were found to be 9 persons and 0.77 respectively. As a result, it was concluded that there is food insecurity in the area.

Key words: household, food security

Journal of Agriculture and Social Research Vol.4(1) 2004: 42-59