Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access

Abstract

Food Security Status and Economic Efficiency of Noiler Producing Households in Abia State, Nigeria

Nwagbara G.E., N.M. Agwu

The food security and nutritional status of the most vulnerable population groups is likely to deteriorate further due to the health and socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It further estimated that between 720 and 811 million people went hungry in 2020. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted in selecting 120 respondents. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents. The economic efficiency of the respondents was analysed using Tobit regression model data envelopment analysis and the food security status was analysed using food security index. The result of data analysis revealed that extension visits, stock size and feed were the significant factors influencing the economic efficiency of the Noiler households. Forty one of the Noiler farmers recorded economic efficiency of between 70-100% and are said to be economic efficiency. The study area could be regarded as food insecure given the fact that majority of the rural households (63.3%) were food insecure while 36.7% were food secure. There is need to develop agricultural extension services and the inclusion of more farmers under such training programs to enhance efficiency and production level of the farmers also, government should monitor and support feed mills that can produce feeds of the required quality for the industry and at reduced cost.

Published Date: 2025-01-02; Received Date: 2024-09-19