1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Recently, the 2000s saw the emergence of the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) framework for assessing food security, which further refined the definitions and indicators used to measure food security and its relation to poverty (FAO, 2013). The ongoing global challenges of climate change, conflict, and economic instability have further underscored the importance of understanding the dynamics between food security and poverty, as millions remain vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty, particularly in developing nations.
The interplay between food security and poverty is a critical area of research, particularly in developing countries where a significant portion of the population faces both challenges. Food security encompasses various dimensions, including food availability, access, utilization, and stability, which collectively influence a household's ability to obtain sufficient, safe, and nutritious food (FAO, 2013). Poverty, on the other hand, not only affects income levels but also impacts access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, further exacerbating food insecurity (Kumar et al., 2019).
According to the World Food Programme (2021), over 811 million people worldwide experienced hunger in 2020, reflecting a troubling trend exacerbated by economic shocks, conflict, and climate change. These factors disproportionately affect low-income households, leading to a cycle where poverty restricts access to adequate nutrition, which in turn impacts health and productivity, thereby perpetuating poverty. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2, emphasize the urgency of ending hunger and ensuring food security and improved nutrition for all by 2030 (United Nations, 2015).
Food security and poverty are interrelated issues that significantly impact the well-being of households globally. Food security, defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a condition in which all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life, is essential for sustaining health and productivity (FAO, 2008). Conversely, poverty refers to the deprivation of essential resources and capabilities necessary for individuals to achieve a standard of living deemed acceptable within their community (World Bank, 2020). In many developing countries, food insecurity is often a direct consequence of poverty, as low-income households struggle to afford adequate food, resulting in inadequate nutrition and health disparities (Smit et al., 2020). The dual challenge of food insecurity and poverty necessitates a comprehensive analysis to understand their causes and consequences.
In many regions, understanding the specific dynamics between food security and poverty is essential for tailoring effective interventions and policies. Previous studies have highlighted that households with lower socio-economic status are more likely to experience food insecurity due to limited financial resources, lack of education, and insufficient access to markets (Gundersen & Ziliak, 2015). Thus, this study aims to investigate the food security status and poverty levels among households, considering various socio-economic factors that may influence their experiences and outcomes.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to investigate the food security status and poverty levels among households, considering various socio-economic factors that may influence their experiences and outcomes.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the primary issues of this research is the increasing prevalence of food insecurity, which is often linked to socio-economic factors such as income levels, employment opportunities, and education. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2020), about 2.37 billion people globally faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2020, a significant increase attributed to economic downturns, conflicts, and climate change.
Furthermore, the relationship between food security and poverty is complex, with households living in poverty experiencing higher rates of food insecurity. Research indicates that food insecurity is a key indicator of poverty, as limited financial resources restrict access to essential foods, leading to inadequate nutrition and health outcomes (Gundersen & Ziliak, 2015). This situation is particularly pronounced in rural and low-income urban areas, where the lack of access to markets and social services exacerbates the challenges of achieving food security (Kumar et al., 2019).
Another critical aspect is the insufficient data regarding the socio-economic characteristics that influence food security and poverty status among households. The lack of comprehensive studies in many regions is a barrier to understanding the underlying causes of these issues and developing effective interventions (Ruel et al., 2017). Overall, the intersection of food security and poverty among households is a pressing problem that demands thorough investigation to inform policy and practice aimed at improving the well-being of affected populations.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to analyze the food security levels and poverty situations in household environments. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To evaluate the socio-economic factors that contribute to poverty among households, including income, education, and employment status.
- To assess the current levels of food security among households in the selected study area, identifying the prevalence of food insecurity.
- To examine the relationship between food security and poverty, analyzing how variations in food availability and access impact household income and overall economic stability.
- To provide policy recommendations based on the findings, aimed at improving food security and alleviating poverty within the target population.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there significant demographic differences in food security and poverty status among various household types, such as those headed by women, single parents, or the elderly?
- How do socio-economic factors such as income, education, and employment status influence the poverty levels of households?
- What is the relationship between food security and poverty status, and how does one affect the other within households?
- What coping strategies do households employ to manage food insecurity and poverty, and how effective are these strategies?
- How do regional differences impact the levels of food security and poverty among households in the study area?
- What is the current level of food security among households in the study area, and what factors contribute to food insecurity?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant relationship between food security and poverty status among households in the study area.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between food security and poverty status among households in the study area
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings will enhance academic understanding of the relationship between food security and poverty, filling existing gaps in the literature and providing a foundation for future research in this area. Researchers and scholars will benefit from the data and analysis presented, which may inspire further studies on related topics.
For non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations, the insights will help in designing effective programs that directly tackle food insecurity and poverty. Understanding the specific challenges faced by different demographic groups will enable these organizations to tailor their initiatives to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Finally, the study will raise public awareness about the critical issues of food security and poverty, fostering a deeper understanding among the general population. This increased awareness will encourage community engagement and advocacy for policies that support food security initiatives, ultimately leading to improved living conditions for affected households.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Analysis of Food Security Levels and Poverty Situations in Household Environments in Nigeria using Ehime Mbano Local Government Area as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: Many participants were unresponsive or took longer than anticipated to provide the necessary information, which hindered the overall pace of data collection and limited the sample size.
1.9 Definition of Terms
In the study of food security and poverty status of households, several key terms are defined to provide clarity and context:
Food Security: It refers to the condition in which all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2006). It encompasses availability, access, utilization, and stability of food supplies over time.
Poverty: It is defined as a state in which individuals or households lack the financial resources to meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. According to the World Bank (2018), poverty is often measured by income thresholds, typically defined as living on less than $1.90 per day.
Household: It is a term that describes a group of individuals living together and making joint financial decisions. Households may consist of family members, unrelated individuals, or a combination of both and are the primary unit of analysis in studies of food security and poverty (United Nations, 2019).
Food Insecurity: It refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It includes the uncertainty of having sufficient food, the inability to acquire food in socially acceptable ways, and the disruption of food intake (Institute of Medicine, 2006).
Socioeconomic Status (SES): It is a composite measure that typically includes an individual’s or household’s income, education, and occupation, which together influence their position in society. SES is a significant determinant of food security and poverty levels (Braveman et al., 2010).
