Analysis of food security production and coping strategies among rural households in Akinyele Local Government Area

This study examined the relationship between food security, poverty status, and coping strategies among rural households in Akinyele Local Government Area. Primary data were collected from 120 households across five villages using structured questionnaires, and the data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The analysis provided insights into the socio-economic characteristics of the households and the factors influencing their food security status. The findings revealed that nearly 60% of the household heads were not primarily engaged in farming activities, suggesting the existence of diversified livelihood sources within the rural economy. With respect to age distribution, the majority of respondents (61.7%) were within the age bracket of 41–50 years, indicating that middle-aged individuals constitute the dominant group involved in farming activities in the study area. In contrast, younger farmers aged 30 years and below accounted for only 6.7% of the respondents, highlighting the relatively low participation of youth in agricultural production. Male-headed households constituted 55.8% of the sample, while 68.3% of respondents were married, reflecting the typical demographic composition of rural households. Housing characteristics showed that 40.8% of the surveyed households resided in brick-built houses. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of the households reported having access to toilet facilities, suggesting relatively improved sanitation practices and a reduced reliance on open defecation. This indicates some level of progress in household living conditions and environmental hygiene within the study area. The empirical analysis further revealed that educational attainment and poverty status were statistically significant determinants of household food security. Households with higher levels of education were more likely to experience better food security outcomes, possibly due to improved access to information, income-generating opportunities, and effective resource management practices. Conversely, households experiencing higher levels of poverty were more vulnerable to food insecurity. In addition, that households adopted several behaviors to mitigate the effects of food shortages. The most frequently employed strategies included relying on cheaper or less preferred foods, reducing the number of meals consumed per day, purchasing food on credit, decreasing meal portion sizes, and borrowing food or seeking assistance from friends and relatives. These coping mechanisms highlight the vulnerability of rural households to food insecurity and the extent to which households rely on short-term adaptive measures to manage food shortages. Based on these findings, policy interventions should focus on reducing rural poverty through the promotion of sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly in agriculture and agro-related enterprises. Improving access to education, agricultural extension services, and credit facilities would enhance household productivity and resilience.