Food Security Status and Livelihood Coping Strategies of Rural Farming Households in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the food security status and livelihood coping strategies of rural farming households in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 140 rural farming households. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The results showed that 56.4% of respondents were male, 67.9% were married, and the mean age was 40 years. The average years of schooling, household size, farming experience, monthly income, and farm size were 6.1 years, 5 persons, 7.7 years, ₦70,625, and 1.5 hectares, respectively. Most respondents (72.9%) engaged in farming as their primary occupation, while 57.9% specialized in crop production. Mean household outputs were 650 kg of cassava, 455.9 kg of okra, and 882.1 kg of vegetables, with average livestock holdings of 33.2 broiler birds and 8.8 pigs. Food security analysis revealed that 42.9% of households were food secure, whereas 57.1% were food insecure (21.4% mildly, 30.7% moderately, and 5.0% severely food insecure). Common food insecurity experiences included worrying about food availability, limited dietary diversity, and reduced meal size and frequency. Major coping strategies were migration, eating fewer meals, engaging local authorities, livelihood diversification, seeking mediation, and joining farmers' associations. The study concludes that food insecurity remains prevalent despite agricultural engagement and recommends targeted interventions to strengthen rural household resilience and sustainable livelihoods.