The Sustainability of Food Security and Development of The Igbira Rural Region of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the sustainability of food security and development among Igbira communities in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Areas.  Without food, man’s existence on the earth would have been a mirage rather than reality. Today, rural areas serve as a source of staple food but are characterized by a lack of good roads, electricity, and storage facilities among others. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey research design, mainly, a case study. Multi-stage sampling techniques were employed. The reconnaissance survey and administration of questionnaires, on selected villages. Twenty (20) villages were identified through a googled map with two hundred and six (206) dwelling places. A pole center was identified based on their population as well as pull factors. The rationale behind using the delineating study area is to pave the way, for easy identification and categorizations of threshold operation activities of Igbira rural communities in Ado-Ekiti Purposive random sampling techniques were used to identify registration areas (wards) and their population which was a total of 31,609, in 2006 according to NPC/INEC. projected to 33,237, in 2021. Therefore, a 0.5% sampling size was used to select two hundred and five (205) respondents in the areas. According to Neuman (1991), larger populations permit a smaller sampling ratio for equally good samples. Data obtained were analyzed using the descriptive statistical method.  Research findings show that 64% of foods produced in these villages were taken to the urban area, and bought at low prices. About 20% of it is wasted as a result of lack of good road and storage facilities. Also, 16% of the products are consumed by the farmers and their households. On how to improve the socio-economic well-being of these rural dwellers for food security and economic sustainability Policy measures were recommended such as adequate government intervention through agricultural development policies and programmes, establishing a regional agricultural produce base market within Igbira rural areas, construction of food storage facilities through private and public partnerships among others.