AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF FOOD SCARCITY ON THE DAILY FEEDING PATTERN OF RURAL DWELLERS IN KOGI STATE.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The primary challenge confronting the global community at now is the provision of sustenance for the continuously growing population of more than 7 billion individuals, while also considering the impact of climate change and limitations in natural resources (Zion, 2022). The prevalence of global hunger is significant, with around 30 percent of the global population currently experiencing various forms of malnutrition, such as insufficient calorie intake, protein deficiencies, low dietary quality, and inadequate levels of protein and micronutrients (Ake et al., 2021). Food, being a fundamental necessity for survival, has emerged as a paramount global concern due to the increasing number of individuals living in poverty and experiencing hunger. 

The issue of food security has become a cause for worry in recent years, primarily due to the global food crisis and the increasing cost of food. Food, nutrition, and livelihood security are crucial for a nation (Ahmed, 2019). Food security and nutritional security are components of livelihood security. Despite the efforts of governments worldwide to ensure that every household can provide at least three square meals for their family, food insecurity remains a significant global development issue. This problem undermines people's health, productivity, and sometimes even their survival (Abiodun, 2022).

 Addressing food insecurity remains a significant public policy obstacle in developing nations. Numerous nations face food insecurity due to insufficient food supplies to meet the per capita consumption of their citizens (Amare, 2018). The survey found that sub-Saharan Africa exhibited the highest level of vulnerability in terms of food insecurity. Malnutrition is a widespread issue in underdeveloped nations, which detrimentally affects individuals' well-being, efficiency, and frequently their ability to stay alive (Abiodun, 2019). 

Food insecurity is the state of having limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate, safe, and acceptable food due to financial limitations (Amaza, 2017). Every organism requires sustenance to satiate hunger and provide nourishment for the body. Food provides a sense of comfort and fulfilment to humans (Babatunde, 2019). Sufficient nutrition is crucial for various human activities, such as physical development, drive, productivity, and academic achievement. Food security encompasses three main aspects: food availability, food accessibility, and food affordability (Oke, 2022). Food security is a comprehensive term that encompasses various facets. It refers to the availability of sufficient food to maintain good health. This definition refers to two essential aspects of this intricate concept: the ability to obtain food that is accessible and the intake of sufficient nutrients to maintain sustained health (Akinyele et al., 2019). Food insecurity remains a significant concern for numerous nations globally. Addressing food insecurity and hunger is a key objective among the eight Millennium Development Goals, which were unanimously endorsed by 189 States in September 2000 (Oyewole, 2017).

Nigeria has a population of about 200 million people, making it the largest in Africa and representing 47 percent of the total population of West Africa (Sanusi et al., 2018). The demand for food in Nigeria has consistently outpaced both food production and overall supply. The yearly food production growth rate of 2.5 percent is insufficient to match the annual population growth rate of 2.8 percent (Abiodun, 2022). Despite Nigeria's significant agricultural potential and plentiful natural resources, many indexes of economic well-being remain at a very low level. There is still a significant prevalence of food insecurity and poverty in several regions of the country. The food insecurity situation in Nigeria is deteriorating with time due to the significant disparity between the national food supply and demand. As an illustration, the proportion of households experiencing food insecurity increased from 40% in 2005 to more than 65% in 2019 (Smith et al., 2021). A significant majority of Nigerians, both in urban and rural areas, experience food insecurity, with a higher concentration of food insecurity observed in rural populations (Oni, 2023). Consequently, Nigerian governments remain highly committed to prioritizing the reduction of food insecure households.

Nigeria is confronted with a significant predicament of providing food for its continuously growing human population, which today amounts to over 200 million individuals, with the majority residing in rural regions. The poverty aspect of food security is a key objective of the sustainable Developmental Goals and is commonly seen as a significant metric for assessing a country's success in terms of overall welfare. This study aims to evaluate the influence of food scarcity on the daily eating habits of rural residents in Kogi state, considering the current circumstances.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The issue of food scarcity has a substantial influence on the well-being of individuals residing in Kogi state and the broader populace of Nigeria. This is a significant and wide-ranging problem that has significant impacts on health, economic stability, and social welfare. The Tinubu administration has implemented numerous policies and projects to address the issue of food insecurity. However, despite these efforts, certain obstacles persist, impeding further advancement.

Nyong (2018) notes that climate change-induced alterations in the natural environment, including as drought, shifts in rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and the occurrence of floods or the depletion of water bodies, have compelled northern pastoralists to migrate southward into areas traditionally occupied by sedentary farmers. Due to the effects of climate change, the grazing ground of the Nomadic Fulani herders is transforming into a desert, prompting them to migrate towards the southern regions. Tokunbo (2017) states that the migration of Fulani herdsmen from their homeland to the northern Guinea savanna and the fringe of the humid tropical forest is primarily caused by climate change, which has led to worsening environmental conditions, land degradation, and frequent drought. The climatic fluctuations in their location prompted the pastoralists to migrate towards the more humid area, leading to the interaction between the crop farmers and the pastoralists. The fluctuating climatic conditions have a direct effect on the accessibility of natural resources. This, combined with factors like population growth, inadequate governance, and land ownership issues, contributes to heightened competition for limited natural resources, particularly fertile land and water. Consequently, tensions and conflicts arise between Kogi communities and Fulani herdsmen (Obot, 2023). This has exacerbated the issue of food insecurity among rural residents of Kogi state and Nigeria as a whole.

Moreover, research has indicated that regions where agricultural products are grown often encounter challenges in efficiently transporting them to processing facilities or retail markets for distribution (Akanimoh, 2024). The primary challenges stem from inadequate agricultural infrastructure, which hinders the capacity to cultivate and process crops consistently, leading to decreased output, preservation challenges, and fluctuating prices throughout different seasons. Furthermore, there is a lack of effective collaboration among government bodies responsible for supervising food policies (Anietie et al., 2023). Poor coordination often leads to a significant surplus of perishable agricultural products, without the necessary storage or processing capabilities to handle them. This has resulted in continuous food wastage in the majority of Kogi villages and is also a contributing factor to food scarcity. Hence, it is crucial to do this research.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the impact of food scarcity on the daily feeding pattern of rural dwellers in Kogi state. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the prevalence of food scarcity in rural areas of Kogi State.

To identify the factors contributing to food scarcity in Kogi state

To evaluate the impact of food scarcity on the daily feeding pattern of rural dwellers in Kogi state.

To proffer solutions to address food scarcity in Kogi state.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the level of prevalence of food scarcity in rural areas of Kogi State?

What are the factors contributing to food scarcity in Kogi state?

What is the impact of food scarcity on the daily feeding pattern of rural dwellers in Kogi state?

What are the solutions adopted to address food scarcity in Kogi state?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho1: The level of prevalence of food scarcity in rural areas of Kogi State is low.

Ho2: There are no factors contributing to food scarcity in Kogi state.

Ho3: There is no impact of food scarcity on the daily feeding pattern of rural dwellers in Kogi state.

Ho4: There are no solutions to address food scarcity in Kogi state.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study focuses on a crucial matter that has a significant impact on the welfare and progress of Nigeria as a whole. This study will establish a fundamental reference point for the agricultural sector of Nigeria, as well as for policy makers and the government. The study will also serve as a baseline for students and scholars. Additionally, it will enhance the overall standard of living for Nigerians.

The study will have great importance for the agriculture sector as it will aid in formulating measures to enhance agricultural productivity, which is vital for economic stability and growth. Enhanced food security can result in economic advantages through the alleviation of poverty and the augmentation of workforce productivity.

Moreover, this study will inform government officials and policy makers by offering valuable insights that can inform the development and execution of efficient food security strategies. Additionally, it will provide the government with valuable insights into areas that require enhancement or modification.

Moreover, the study aims to improve the standard of living for Nigerians. The study aims to mitigate poverty by identifying and addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to food scarcity. The outcome of this study will additionally contribute to the improvement of social stability by mitigating the likelihood of disputes and social upheaval stemming from food scarcity. 

Furthermore, future scholars will utilize it as a literature review. Consequently, other students interested in researching this field will be able to utilize this work as existing material that can be critically evaluated. Without exception, the outcome of the study greatly enhances the existing academic understanding of the impact of food scarcity on the daily feeding pattern of rural dwellers in Kogi state.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focuses to critically assess the impact of food scarcity on the daily feeding pattern of rural dwellers in Nigeria. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the prevalence of food scarcity in rural areas of Nigeria and identify the factors contributing to food scarcity in Nigeria. 

Further, this study will focus on evaluating the impact of food scarcity on the daily feeding pattern of rural dwellers in Nigeria, and it also seeks to proffer solutions to address food scarcity in Nigeria.

This study is carried out in Okene, Kogi state

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human undertaking, the researchers encountered small constraints during the investigation. The researcher's main limitation was the linguistic barrier. The majority of inhabitants in rural communities of Kogi state lack comprehension of the English language. There was a lack of contact between the rural inhabitants and the researcher. 

Another constraint was the scarcity of considerable literature on the subject, as there is a limited amount of data available for a thorough investigation of the influence of food scarcity on the daily eating habits of rural residents in Nigeria. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to find the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. Furthermore, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical reach, namely concentrating just on Kogi state. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Additionally, the researcher's limitations were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student and do not have a source of income to sustain themselves. It was challenging to afford transportation expenses to and from the study location due to the high cost of transportation, which is influenced by inflation in Nigeria today.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously completing the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Food security: Food security is when a person is able to obtain a sufficient amount of healthy food on a day-to-day basis.

Food scarcity: food scarcity refers to the shortage of food supplies to meet the dietary needs of a population.

Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a medical condition that occurs when a person's nutrition is either insufficient or excessive, leading to harmful effects.

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