IMPACT OF CROP DIVERSITY ON FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL OUTCOMES OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Chioma  Patricia Adekunle

doi:10.59267/ekoPolj2603699P

Authors

Chioma Patricia Adekunle Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6841-2165

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59267/ekoPolj2603699P

Keywords:

agriculture, diet, deprivation, hunger, portfolios

Abstract

Using cross-sectional data from 386 arable crop farmersin Ogun State, Nigeria, this study examines the effect ofcrop diversity on farm households’ food and nutritionoutcomes. Three nutrition indicators were considered: percapita food consumption expenditure, per capita calorieconsumption, and dietary diversity. Crop diversificationwas measured using the Herfindahl–Hirschman Indexbased on agricultural revenue generated from cropscultivated by households. Ordinary least squaresregression was employed to estimate the effects of cropdiversity on the selected nutrition outcomes. The resultsindicate an average per capita calorie consumption of2,822.34 kcal, exceeding the recommended daily intakeof 2,500 kcal. Households in the Abeokuta and IjebuOde zones demonstrated better nutritional outcomes thanthose in Ikenne. Approximately 63.5% of householdswere moderately diversified, while 30.8% were highlydiversified. Crop diversity significantly improved calorieintake, real food consumption expenditure, and dietarydiversity, highlighting its importance for strengtheninghousehold food and nutrition security.

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