Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Analysis among Rural Households in Northern Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analysed household food insecurity and the vulnerability situation in northern Borno State. Multi-stage simple random sampling procedure was used in the drawing of sample. Structured questionnaires and focus groups discussions were used in collecting data for the study. Data were collected from 210 households in 6 villages in two Local Government Areas of the region between 2008 and 2009. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and cost of calorie fanction. The analysis of the food insecurity situation revealed that approximately 64.5 per cent of the households in the area did not meet the minimum calorie requirement and hence were food insecurity; on the average the households in the area produce food that lasts only for about 5. 6 months after harvest, while about 91. I per cent of the households in the region did not produce food that last for 12 months after harvest. Jn terms of animal protein intake the household were only able to meet 25.86 per cent of their daily per adult equivalent animal protein requirement. The mean food expenditures as a percentage of total income of the households revealed that about 78.47 per cent of their daily per adult equivalent income per day was spent on food. As a result, their vulnerability to fature food insecurity will be increased. This is so especially if there is food prices increase since high food prices reduce real income and worsen the prevalence of food insecurity and nutrition among the poor households by reducing the quality and quantity of food consumed. Based on the findings of the study, the following are possible areas of intervention which might mitigate the problem of food security of the households in the area: policies aimed at improving the productivity of agriculture through the increased use of improved technologies (such as the use of drought resistant crops) be promoted. also, efforts that could boost households' income generation should be promoted