Food Security Dynamics, Transition and Dimension: Evidence from Rural Households in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates the dynamics of food security transitions among rural households in Nigeria. Secondary data from Generalised Household survey (GHS), a country-wide panel data conducted in 2010/2011, 2012/2013 and 2015/2016, were employed in the study. Out of the 5,000 households covered by the survey, the study only used 1,829 households whose characteristics were found relevant to the realization of the objectives of the study. Findings showed that although majority of the household heads were food secure in 2010 and 2012, almost one half of this population transitioned into food insecurity in 2015. Sex of the household head, marital status and asset ownership were identified as key determinants of mobility into food insecurity. In the long run, the probability that a household in rural Nigeria will transition into food security is 62.2% while the probability of exiting the status is 38.27%.The study also revealed that the relatively high and fairly stable level of food security in the sampled area can be linked to socio-demographic factors such as household size, marital status, years of education, asset ownership, access to credit or extension and non-farm income. Since exiting food security status remains a challenge in rural areas, interventions targeted at increasing literacy level, access to credit as well as providing other such safety nets should be encouraged.