Resilience Through Nutrition Business for Mitigating Economic Challenges and Promoting National Development
ABSTRACT
This research explores the intricate dynamics of food security and poverty status among households in Ehime Mbano, emphasizing their critical role in national development agendas. It delves into comprehensive definitions, theoretical frameworks, multifaceted challenges, and strategic interventions aimed at enhancing food accessibility and alleviating poverty. By addressing these issues, the study aims to provide actionable insights that contribute to sustainable development and resilience-building strategies.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of study
Food security has evolved significantly since the 1990s, expanding beyond mere food availability to encompass broader dimensions of access, utilization, and stability. It is now understood as ensuring that all individuals have consistent access to nutritious food for an active and healthy life, encompassing economic, social, and physical dimensions of access. This chapter discusses the interconnected nature of supply-side factors (such as food production and distribution) and demand-side factors (including economic access and entitlement), which collectively influence food security outcomes.
Food insecurity manifests in various forms, from chronic inadequacies in food supplies to temporary shortages caused by economic fluctuations or price hikes. National-level food security, driven by aggregate food availability, does not guarantee individual or household-level security. This distinction is crucial, underscoring the need for every household to have consistent access to adequate food, either through production or income generation. This study focuses on analyzing the specific challenges of food security and poverty among households in Surulere, Imo State, within the broader context of national development goals.
Food security is a concept that has evolved over time, encompassing not only the availability of food but also factors such as access, utilization, and stability. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines food security as existing “when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (FAO, 1996). This definition highlights the multidimensional nature of food security, emphasizing the importance of economic access and the ability to utilize food effectively.
Statement Of the Problem
Despite improvements in global food production and economic growth, food insecurity remains a persistent challenge, particularly in rural communities. In Nigeria, the impact of food insecurity is exacerbated by factors such as climate change, economic instability, and inadequate infrastructure. These challenges hinder efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, including poverty reduction and improved nutrition. This study aims to explore the specific barriers and challenges faced by households in Ehime Mbano, Imo State, in achieving food security and how these relate to broader poverty alleviation efforts.
Poverty alleviation strategies, whether locally initiated or supported by international efforts, face numerous obstacles. These include poorly designed or inadequately implemented strategies, heavy dependence on government funding leading to vulnerability during economic downturns, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Addressing these challenges is critical to improving food security and reducing poverty among households in Surulere, Imo State, thereby contributing to broader national development objectives.
Objective of the Study
This study aims to explore the pivotal role of food security in poverty alleviation within Ehime Mbano, with specific objectives:
- To assess the impact of farmer awareness of food security strategies on poverty levels.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of food security initiatives in alleviating poverty among farmers.
- To identify key constraints hindering the effective use of food security strategies in poverty alleviation.
- To analyze successful strategies employed in utilizing food security measures to alleviate poverty among farmers in Ehime Mbano.
Research Questions
- To what extent are farmers aware of and engaged with food security strategies?
- How effectively do food security initiatives contribute to reducing poverty among rural communities in Ehime Mbano?
- What are the primary constraints and challenges related to implementing food security strategies in poverty alleviation efforts?
- What strategies have proven most effective in leveraging food security initiatives to alleviate poverty among farmers in Ehime Mbano?
Research Hypotheses
- Food security strategies significantly impact poverty levels in Ehime Mbano.
- Constraints associated with food security strategies significantly affect poverty alleviation efforts among farmers in Ehime Mbano.
Significance Of The Study
This study holds significant implications for policy and practice, offering insights into current food security and poverty levels among households in Ehime Mbano. By identifying key challenges and recommending targeted interventions, policymakers and stakeholders can develop more effective strategies to promote sustainable development and resilience in the face of economic challenges.
Food security is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. By ensuring that all individuals have access to nutritious and affordable food, governments can enhance human capital, reduce poverty, and promote inclusive economic growth. This study seeks to contribute to global efforts to achieve Zero Hunger and Sustainable Development Goal 2 by addressing the root causes of food insecurity and poverty in Ehime Mbano, Imo State.
Scope Of The Study
This research focuses specifically on analyzing food security and poverty status among households in Imo State, particularly in Ehime Mbano. By providing a localized perspective on national issues, the study aims to inform targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving food security and reducing poverty.
The scope of the study encompasses various dimensions of food security, including availability, access, utilization, and stability, as well as their implications for poverty alleviation. By examining these dimensions within the specific context of Ehime Mbano, the study seeks to generate context-specific insights that can inform policy and practice for sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Definition Of Terms
FOOD SECURITY: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food, ensuring a healthy and active life for all individuals.
FOOD INSECURITY: The inability to access adequate food consistently, leading to risks of malnutrition and other health issues. This can be chronic, resulting from persistent food shortages, or temporary, due to economic fluctuations or other disruptions.
References
- Johannes, K. (2001). Poverty Alleviation and Food security – can Organic Farming help? New Concepts for Food security. Agricultural Rural Development 8( 2). 9-11.
- Imo State Food security (1985) Annual report for the year 1985 (1-51)
- Konott, E. A. (2009). Economic Analysis of Farmers’ Livelihood Diversification Practices in Poverty Reduction Under the Fadama II Strategy in Ehime Mbano, Nigeria. MSc. (Agricultural economics) by KONOH, Esther Afor Dept. of Agricultural Economics Sociology 7 Oct., 2009.
- Manza, A. G. M. (1988). An Evaluation of the Performance of Imo State Food security 1985-1987. A case Study of Zone IV. MSc Thesis submitted to the Department of Agricultural Economic and Rural Sociology ABU Zaria.
- Niyi O. (1993). The Scope of Internal Auditing in Food security. Farmer Hope A.B. Annual Magazine of Oyo State Agricultural Development Strategy
- Obaseki P.J. and Onwioduokit (1997). Indicatorist poverty across country Analysis in proceeding of the 1997 Annual Conference of the Nigeria Economic society. 312.314
IF YOU CAN'T FIND YOUR TOPIC, CLICK HERE TO HIRE A WRITER»
