FOOD SECURITY STATUS OF PLANTAIN MARKETERS IN IKPOBA OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE

This study examined the food security status of plantain marketers in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, analyzing their socio-economic characteristics, challenges, and coping strategies. Using a census of 75 plantain marketers, primary data were collected through questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that most marketers are middle-aged (46.7% aged 31-40 years), male (68%), and operate small-scale farms (60% cultivating 1-2 hectares). Despite their role in food distribution, significant food insecurity exists: 40% frequently worried about food access, 45% could not afford preferred foods, and 17% experienced severe hunger. Key challenges include climate change (70.7%), limited credit access (66.7%), poor infrastructure (70.6%), and post-harvest losses (61.3%). To cope, marketers diversified income (64%), reduce expenses (54.7%), and use drought-resistant varieties (42.7%). However, institutional support remains low, with 76% receiving no government or NGO assistance. The study concludes that systemic interventions including improved financial access, climate-smart agriculture, infrastructure development, and targeted training are needed to enhance food security among plantain marketers. These findings contribute to policy discussions on sustainable agricultural livelihoods and SDG attainment in Nigeria’s informal food sector.