CAUSES OF FOOD INSECURITY IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR AGRICULTURAL REFORM

Abstract

It is worthy to note that the South-Eastern region of Nigeria is not food sufficient like other regions of the country. To improve food production in the region, this study was carried to examine the causes of food insecurity in South-East Nigeria. The study was guided by four research questions and three hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 280 farmers. Data were collected using questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. The study highlighted some of the root causes of food insecurity in the region. They include long era of neglect by government, population growth, degradation of natural environment, traditional agricultural practices, poor involvement of the youth among others. The study shows that majority of the farmers indicated that they were into cassava production (58%), maize production (35%), poultry production (62%), 22% were into fish farming and piggery (16%). For South-East Nigeria to attain food sufficiency, the study recommends proactive policy responses in support of farmers. Also required is infrastructural support in terms of good road networks and marketing facilities to best support agricultural activities.