FLOODS AND FOOD SECURITY: AN ANALYSIS OF AFFECTED CROP PRODUCE AND MITIGATION MEASURES IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study aimed at analysing the effects of floods on food security with particular focus on crop produce as well as mitigating efforts in Kogi State, Nigeria. The two research questions and one null hypothesis that guided the study were analysed using data gathered with a research instrument from 45 farmers who were affected by floods between 2012 and 2022. Using percentage, frequency, mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis for the research question, and chi-square logistic likelihood ratio inferential statistics for the null hypothesis, the analysis revealed that cereal grains, fruits, pulses (legumes), vegetables, tuber crops, spices and herbs, oil-seed and fiber crops were affected by floods. The study dropped the null hypothesis – which suggested that there is significant difference between the observed and expected values of the two categories (floods and food security). Accordingly, the study concluded that floods did extremely affect crop produce and the farmers have made mitigation efforts, but they have been considerably inadequate; hence desirable results have not been achieved. It is therefore, recommended that governments at all levels as well as non-governmental organizations should make strategic efforts in mitigating the effects of floods on food security.