Food Security Status and Kolanut Marketing Households: A Synergic Linkage in Ondo State, Nigeria

More than 780 million people are chronically undernourished worldwide despite the fact that there is adequate food for everyone. Unfortunately, over 40% of Nigerians live in food insecure homes, and the country has the greatest rate of undernourishment out of West Africa. Kolanut selling households have also received minimal attention with regard to food security. This study, therefore, sought to access the linkage between food security status and Kolanut marketing households in Ondo State, Nigeria. A total of 120 Kolanut marketing households were randomly selected and data were collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaires. Specifically, we estimated the costs and returns to Kolanut marketing, food security status of Kolanut marketing households and the determinants of food security status. These objectives were analyzed using marketing margin analysis, food security index, logistic regression and Likert scale were used. It was reported that the net marketing margin received annually was N2,781.33/ha. Also, each dollar invested resulted in a profit for the marketers of 34.92 percent. Additionally, it was discovered that the majority (55.83%) of Kolanut marketing households had food insecurity, using 2260 Kcal/Adult Equivalent as a measure. Additionally, a logistic regression analysis showed that the household size of Kolanut marketing households in the research area had a negative impact on their level of food security. Poor road conditions, expensive transportation, limited access to market information, and inadequate financing facilities were the main obstacles for the households. Therefore, we urge the creation of educational programs on birth control methods that can actually reduce excessive family sizes.