Gender and Food Security Status of Smallholder Upland and Swamp Rice Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined gender and food security status of smallholder upland and swamp rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It aimed to: (i) describe the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers by gender; (ii) determine their food security status by gender; and (iii) estimate the effects of socioeconomic factors, technology gap, and economic efficiency on food security outcomes across gender and production systems. Study Design, Place, and Duration: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study was conducted in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, between January and August 2025. Methodology: A multistage sampling technique was used to select 180 rice farmers, stratified into upland and swamp systems and by gender. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) food security index, and binary logit regression. Results: Food insecurity was widespread, with 66.7% of households classified as food insecure. Gender and system-based variations were observed: food insecurity was highest among male swamp rice farmers (85.2%), followed by female swamp (68.5%), female upland (55.6%), and male upland (47.2%) farmers. The severity index was also highest for male swamp farmers (FGT₂ = 0.180). Binary logit regression revealed significant predictors of food security: education (β = -0.534, p<0.01), farming experience (β = 0.320, p<0.05), age (β = -0.165, p<0.10), and technology gap (β = -0.026, p<0.10) for male upland farmers. For female swamp farmers, age was positive (β = 0.140, p<0.10), while farming experience (β = -0.247, p<0.05) and technology gap (β = -0.203, p<0.10) negatively affected food security. Conclusion: Food insecurity among rice farmers in Ebonyi State is alarmingly high, with significant gender and ecological system disparities. Targeted, gender-responsive interventions addressing education, technology access, and institutional barriers are vital to improving household food security in both upland and swamp rice syst
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4413446286