Pathways to Food Security: The Influence of Livelihood Assets and Shocks among Farming Households
Abstract:
Food security remains a major challenge for farming
households in low- and middle-income countries, where agricultural livelihoods
are highly affected by economic, climatic, and social shocks. This study
examines how livelihood assets, income-generating activities, exposure to
shocks, and access to safety nets were associated with household food security
among farming households in North Central Nigeria, a primary food production
zone. Mixed-methods were used. Quantitative data were obtained from 615 farming,
North Central households in the Nigeria General Household Survey Panel
(2023/2024). Food security was measured using Food Insecurity Experience Scale
(FIES). Logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with food
security. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and focus group
discussions with farmers, community members, and local officials, focusing on
perceptions of food access, livelihood strategies, and shock. Quantitative
results showed that 56% of households were food secure. Higher levels of
physical and financial capital were associated with higher odds of food
security. Exposure to economic and consumption-related shocks was strongly
associated with lower odds of food security. Female-headed households and
larger households were less likely to be food secure. Qualitative findings
highlighted that food security was affected by seasonal variations in
agricultural production, and financial capacity. Participants reported that
market price fluctuations and climatic events disrupted food access. Farming
households in North Central Nigeria experience substantial food insecurity, associated
with exposure to shocks and limited livelihood assets. Strengthening productive
and financial assets and reducing vulnerability to shocks are critical for
improving food security. These findings provide evidence to inform policies and
interventions aimed at building resilience among farming households in rural
agricultural communities.
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