Correlates of Food Insecurity Transition and its Determinants among Farming Households in North Central, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study analysed the Correlates of food insecurity transition and its determinants among farming households in North Central, Nigeria. The data were collected over two-time period from 291 rural households from September to December 2013, during food crops harvesting season (HS) and from April to June 2014, during food crops planting season (PS). Data were analysed using Marcov probability chain, Tobit and Probit regression models. Results showed that there were movements into and out of FI during the two seasons. However, more rural households 72% moved into FI during PS. In the long-run, 86% of households would transit to FI during PS. Probit Regression analysis revealed that household size, educational status of head, age, asset ownership, remittances, occupational status of head, access to credit and access to extension services were factors that significantly determined these movements.

Keywords:  Correlates of food insecurity, Food insecurity transition, Marcov Probability Chain, Tobit regression model, Probit regression model