The role of Cassava production in improving food security in the delta state of Nigeria

The 20th century saw the most rapid and most dramatic agricultural transformation in human history. Science-based agriculture brought about many changes on the farm that transformed agriculture from subsistence to a more productive and profitable modern industrial based agriculture. Cassava is one of the main sources of world carbohydrate with Africa recognized as the highest producing continent and Nigeria as the highest producing country. Cassava provides food security as it can be grown on less fertile soils, it is a source of income for farmers and provides food for many household. An investigation was conducted in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta state Nigeria to find out the variable inputs that affects the output of cassava farming households. Estimation from a linear regression model, evidence from primary data collected at the study area, reveals that inputs such as planting materials and labour significantly affect cassava production. These findings indicate that as the amount of planting materials and labour utilized by the farmer’s increases, cassava production also increases. The primary data was also analyzed in relation to the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava producing households. These empirical analyses can help to highlight the policies required for improving cassava production in Delta State of Nigeria. The rate of food insecurity in Nigeria has been increasing due to lack of economic access to food either directly or indirectly. Evidences show that inappropriate agricultural policies and programs by governments in Nigeria have been the contributing factors to the rate of food insecurity. The improvement in food production resulting in an increase in food security requires consistent improvement in labour productivity and yield. These will hence have a positive impact on the socioeconomic wellbeing of smallholder farmers. Therefore understanding the relationship between cassava production, farm income and food security is important for designing appropriate intervention strategies.