SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF FOOD SECURITY AMONG SELECTED ETHNIC GROUPS IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

ABSTRACT
The broad objective of the study was to investigate the socio-economic and
cultural dimensions of food security among selected ethnic groups in North Central
Nigeria. Specifically, the study was designed to: determine food culture and practices of
the respondents; determine the household food security status (energy availability) across
ethnic groups; determine dietary diversity of the households across cultures; identify
perceived constraints militating against household food security; and describe the coping
strategies utilized by the households during food shortages. Seven hypotheses and a
conceptual framework were developed for the study. The population of the study consists
of all ethnic groups in North Central Nigeria. The zone comprises about 60 ethnic groups.
Specifically, the study was carried out among Tiv, Igala and Eggon ethnic groups of
Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the
study. Three ethnic groups (Tiv, Igala and Eggon) and one village per ethnic group were
purposively selected based on differences in language and culture. The total sample size
for this study was 340 respondents, made up of 120 Tiv households, 108 Igala households
and 112 Eggon households. Data for the study were collected through the use of interview
schedule.