Mini–Livestock Production as a Strategy for Food Security among Households in Benue State

Ezekiel Ayinde Alani; Adewumi, Mathew Olaniyi; Millicent Onkpo

Authors

Ezekiel Ayinde Alani Department of Agricultural Economics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, NIGERIA
Adewumi, Mathew Olaniyi Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, NIGERIA
Millicent Onkpo Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Keywords:

Food Security, Households Mini – Livestock, Egg Production Performance, Strategy

Abstract

Food security is fast becoming a problem for human beings because of rising populations. Increase in consumption growth and a possible decline in food availability. This study assessed Mini-livestock production as a strategy for food security in Benue State. The study examined the food security status of the farmers, the relationship between income from the sale of mini-livestock and their food security status, determinants of food security status, and the constraints encountered in mini-livestock production in the study area were examined, analyzed, and identified. The study utilized a random sampling technique to select a sample of 150 mini-livestock farming households from the list of farmers obtained from the Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Programme. Data collected were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Food security index, correlation, logistic regression, and Likert - scale. Using the food security index approach, the results revealed that 75% of the respondents were food secure while 25% were food insecure. The result of the correlation analysis shows that there’s a positive, strong, and significant relationship between the income of mini-livestock farmers and their food security status (r= 0.593; P≤ 0.001). The result of the logistic regression revealed that household size and income from the sale of mini-livestock are significant determinants of food security in the study area. The coefficient of income realized from sales of mini-livestock (0.107) was positive and significant at 5%, implying that as the income realized from sales of mini-livestock by the respondents increases, more money is earned resulting in increased food security status of the respondents. The major constraint encountered by Mini-livestock farmers in the study area is inadequate credit.

Conclusion: In conclusion, mini-livestock production contributes to the food security status of farmers in the study area. Hence, it is recommended that people who have an interest in mini-livestock production should be encouraged through the provision of incentives and necessary production facilities.

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