Efficiency and food security startus: Evidence from fluted pumpkin farmers in Nigeria

Abstract

The dialogue on the nexus between farmers' efficiencies and food security status resurfaced lately, given the challenge to end hunger by 2030 in sub-Saharan Africa. This study empirically unearths the relationship between farmers' technical efficiency and their food security status in Niger State, Nigeria. deducing from a sample of 157 at 5% precision and 95% confidence limit, the study affirmed that fluted pumpkin farmers were fairly technically efficient, with mean efficiency index of 84%, while 58.0% were food insecure. Farmers' technical efficiencies were also observed to be positively related to their food security status. These outcomes reflect the situation on ground across most parts of the sub-Saharan Africa, given the similarities of circumstance. To enhance food security across the generality of the SSA, the study recommends enhanced technical efficiency through effective extension support and adoption of innovative practices in line with national policy measures and the regional AfDB High 5 strategy of feeding Africa