Determinants of Households’ Food Security in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

The study examined the determinants of households’ food security in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The study used a multi-stage sampling procedure to select eighty respondents with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data were collected randomly from four communities and analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics, food security index and probit regression model. The results revealed that food secure households had an average daily per capita calorie consumption of 3854.46Kcal while the households that were food insecure had an average daily per capita calorie consumption of 1564.3Kcal. The results of probit regression revealed that, household size, level of education, household head’s income and number of income earners were significant determinants of food security among households. Level of education, household head’s income and number of income earners influenced food security positively while household size affected it negatively. Based on the findings of the study, it was therefore recommended that households should diversify their sources of income and register with cooperative societies which may be necessary for them to access funds and also there should be limit in population size through integrated health and education services. Keywords: Determinants, Food Security, Households, Probit Model DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-22-04 Publication date: November 30th 202