Food Production and Security under Changing Climatic Conditions in Nigeria

Abstract

Food production and security under changing climatic conditions in Nigeria were investigated. A total of 191 food crop producers were chosen using a multi-stage sample technique and a data instrument. Descriptive statistics, the food security index, and the ordinary least squares multiple regression model were used to evaluate the data gathered. The findings indicated that food crop growers were primarily female, married, moderately experienced, and of productive age. Food crop output was dominated by rice, cassava, maize, and fluted pumpkin. The majority, 43% indicated that food production is decreasing rapidly due to external factors. According to the food security index, 16.2% of farmers who grow food crops have access to food, compared to 84% who had no access. The estimated food security index for families with access to food was 4.21 compared to 2.46 for households without access to food. Food production was positively impacted by household size, farm size, education, agricultural experience, and extension connections. Food security was unfavorably impacted by temperature, precipitation, and the frequency of wet days, but favourably impacted by sunlight and relative humidity. Production restrictions were noted as being caused by capital, input costs, pests, and diseases. Food crop farmers were advised to embrace climate change and continually seek for early warning signals and information to increase food production and forestall future negative impacts.