Analysis of crop-livestock farmers’ food security status in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on estimating the food security status of crop-livestock farmers in Kaduna State. Data were collected from 351 farmers using questionnaire. Tools of analysis used were descriptive statistics and food security index. Results shows that the mean age of most farmers 38 years. Average household size is 8 persons. Average farm sizes is 3.5 hectares., with an average farming experience of 8years in crop-livestock integration. Most (53%) of the farmers do not belong to any cooperative society, while, 59% had contact with extension agent, and 68% do not have access to credit. Food security index showed that few households 21% were food secured with an average calorie intake of 4325.13kcal daily, and 79% were food insecure with an average calorie intake of 1287.77kcal daily. 45% of farmers identified high cost of inputs, while 38% of farmers identified inadequate capital as constraints respectively. The study recommends that households who are not food secured be assisted, both by Government and Non-Government Organizations with farm input at a subsidise rate, to help them increase production of staple crops and livestock to enhance their income and by extension improve their food security status,