FACTOR AFFECTING FOOD SECURITY AMONG SWEET POTATOES FARMERS IN AFIJIO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OYO STATE
Abstract
Food security remains a major global concern, particularly among smallholder farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. This study examines the factors affecting food security among sweet potato farmers in Afijio Local Government Area. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is an important staple crop due to its adaptability, nutritional value, and contribution to household income. However, farmers continue to face numerous challenges that limit productivity and threaten food security.
The study specifically describes the socio-economic characteristics of sweet potato farmers, identifies the factors influencing food security, and investigates the challenges associated with sweet potato production in the study area. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate analytical tools.
Findings reveal that food security among sweet potato farmers is influenced by a combination of biotic, abiotic, and socio-economic factors. Key constraints identified include crop diseases and pests such as sweet potato virus disease and weevils, climate variability characterized by irregular rainfall and extreme weather events, and limited access to improved planting materials and modern farming technologies. In addition, poor agricultural practices, inadequate access to credit facilities, weak market linkages, and low levels of education among farmers further exacerbate food insecurity.
The study concludes that improving food security among sweet potato farmers requires a holistic approach that integrates agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic interventions. It recommends the provision of improved and disease-resistant varieties, access to extension services, climate-smart agricultural practices, better market access, and financial support systems. These measures will enhance productivity, increase resilience, and ultimately improve the livelihoods and food security status of sweet potato farmers in the study area.
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