THE EFFECTS OF EMIGRATION AND REMITTANCE ON FOOD SECURITY STATUS OF FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study determined the effects of emigration and remittance on the food security status of farming households in Edo State, Nigeria. From four (4) Local Government Areas across the State, 297 farming households were sampled randomly for the study. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to obtain primary data from the farmers. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, food security index (FSI) and a probit regression model. The FSI classification revealed 78.41% of the households with emigrants, 64.75% without emigrants and 72.82% of the pooled results were food secure. Probit regression analysis showed that emigration status at P≤0.01 and remittance income at P≤0.10 probability levels had significant positive effect on the food security status of the farming households. Household size, farm income and access to credit each at P≤0.01, off-farm income at P≤0.05 and farming experience at P≤0.10 probability levels had significant influence on the farmers’ food security status. It was concluded that emigration status and remittance had significant positive effect on the food security status of the farming households in Edo State. Nonetheless, food insecurity still remains a major issue among the farming households in the area that cannot be overlooked by the government. It was therefore, recommended that efforts should be made to ensure that farmers are well enlightened and encouraged through extension service delivery to diversify their livelihood, engage and invest their income in productive farm and off-farm activities towards improved standard of living.