Pattern of food security in Ondo state Nigeria

I.I. Ogundahunsi; I.P. Ifabiyi; R.M. Olanrewaju

I.I. Ogundahunsi University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
I.P. Ifabiyi University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
R.M. Olanrewaju University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Keywords: FSI-Food Security Index, WFS- World Food Summit, FAO-Food and Agriculture Organization

Abstract

Food insecurity is one of the major challenges faced by developing nations of the world and attempts to solve the problem has been abortive. This study examined the incident of food security in Ondo State. This was done through a designed Food Security Index (FSI) questionnaire and attempted the interpretation using Elliot (2014) food security score. The findings showed that food security vary from one senatorial district to the other (Northern 57.6%, Southern 48.8% and central 47.0%); the overall result for the state showed that Ondo State has FSI of 51.1%, showing the state to be partially secured compared to global standard of 42%. It was discovered that there has been no productive measure taking by the government and individuals to eradicate food insecurity menace in the study area. The study recommends that government at all levels should encourage food crop farmers with proactive measures such as grants and interest free loan so as to improve food production in the state.