Abstract:
This research empirically explored the determinants of food insecurity dynamics and production
challenges faced by rice farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Primary data were gathered through a
well-designed questionnaire, and 420 respondents were randomly selected for the study. The data
were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logit regression. The study identified crucial
factors significantly influencing food insecurity, including the age of the household head, years
of formal education, savings, value of owned livestock, vulnerability status, and incidents of crop
loss. In the case of rice production challenges, participants were faced with issues such as
inadequate funds, the adverse impacts of climate change, poor road conditions, depressed prices
for milled rice, escalating input costs, and a conspicuous absence of storage facilities. To address
these challenges and foster sustainable rice farming in Ekiti State, we recommend the
implementation of comprehensive policies which include targeted financial support mechanisms
for farmers, initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture, infrastructural
improvements on road networks, strategies to stabilize and enhance rice prices, measures to
alleviate the burden of high input costs, and the development of storage facilities to minimize
post-harvest losses. |
