Gender dimensions of food security status of households in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research work examined the role of gender on household food security status in Oyo State, Nigeria. Emphasis is placed on the effect of gender on the household food security of both rural and urban households and the factors that determine the household food security status of rural and urban households in Oyo State. The respondents were drawn using stratified multi stage random sampling technique. Information was elicited on the socio-economic characteristics of the households; membership of cooperative societies, household consumption pattern, and possession of durable goods. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cost of Calorie function, FGT analysis and probit regression analysis. The food insecurity line for the study area is N117.10 per adult equivalent per day that is any household that is subsisting on less than N 117.10 per day is regarded as food insecure. The result of the analysis shows that food insecurity exists between both male-headed and female-headed households but more severe with the latter.