EFFECTS OF LIVELIHOOD ASSETS ON FOOD SECUIRITY STATUS AMONG SMALLHOLDERS FARMERS IN BEKWARRA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analyzed the effects of livelihood assets on food security status among smallholder farmers in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 152 respondents using a multistage sampling technique and structured questionnaires. Analytical tools included descriptive statistics, food security index, and binary logistic regression. Results showed that 54.6% of respondents had household sizes of 6–10 members, with a mean of 7, and 69.7% were aged 41–60 years with an average of 50 years. About 44.1% had secondary education. The mean monthly per capita food expenditure was ₦12,940.92, while the food security line was set at ₦8,627.28, revealing that 41.4% of households were food secure, and 58.6% were food insecure. Access to physical (93.4%), human (62.8%), social (63.8%), and natural assets (57.2%) was relatively high, while financial assets (51.3%) were less accessible. Logistic regression showed that access to loans, machinery, improved seed, and farm size positively and significantly influenced food security at the 1% level. Gender and social aggregate index were negative and significant at 1%. Land ownership negatively affected food security (10% significance), while educational status had a positive impact (10%). Access to health facilities was negatively significant at 5%. Coping strategies included letting children eat first (ranked 1st), selling livestock (2nd), and eating wild fruits (3rd). The study concludes that improving livelihood assets especially education, health care, social networks, financial support, and physical resources are critical. It recommends policies that enhance literacy, vocational training, and agricultural extension services to improve household food security.