Understanding the factors contributing to food security among under-recognised indigenous vegetable farming households in Nigeria
Adeolu B. Ayanwale, A. O. Ige, Ayodeji Damilola Kehinde, Durodoluwa Joseph Oyedele, Clement Adebooye
Abstract
Integrating under-recognised indigenous vegetables into cropping systems presents a viable strategy for enhancing household food security. Despite their potential, these native crops remain under-researched. This study examined the determinants of food security among households engaged in the cultivation of under-recognised indigenous vegetables in Nigeria. A total of 302 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique from the NiCanVeg farmers’ lists. The data were analysed using a Zero-One Inflated Beta (ZOIB) regression model, which is appropriate for handling proportions with a considerable number of zero outcomes – common in food security indicators. The use of the ZOIB model helped correct for the bias introduced by zero responses. The analysis revealed that socio-economic factors – including sex, age, education, household size, savings, association membership, marital status, total income, income derived from under-recognised vegetables, market participation, and asset value – significantly influenced both the probability and intensity of food security. The findings underscore the importance of promoting education and market participation as strategic interventions to improve food security among farming households cultivating under-recognised indigenous vegetables.