Plantain Production and Food Security in Edo and Ondo States, Nigeria

1. Plantain Production and Food Security in Edo and Ondo States, Nigeria Biola Phillip, Adebayo Shittu and Akin Olosunde Report of Project No: IRG35 Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources & Agricultural Research University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria

2. Introduction • One of the most important areas of policy concern in Nigeria today is how to guaranty food security for the populace. • By food security, reference is made to availability, access and utilisation of the right type and quantity of food at all times • In Nigeria, food security among farm households is particularly threatened by low productivity and income, and associated rising incidence of poverty, with over 70% of members of farm household reported to have lived on less than US$1.25/day (N194) in 2008 (UNDP, 2009). • In this study we assess the role of Plantain Production in enhancing Food Security among farm households in Edo and Ogun State, Nigeria in terms of its contribution to household food supply (availability) and income (access).

3. Objectives of the Study • This main objective of the study is to assess the potentials associated with plantain production in enhancing food security among farm households in Edo and Ondo States, Nigeria • The specific objectives areto: • Characterize plantain production systems in the two states. • Estimate the cost and returns structure and profitability of plantain production. • Compare returns to various patterns of plantain cultivation • Determine the contributions of plantain production to household income, and food supply. • Identify constraints to plantain production in the two states

4. Methodology • Study Area: Plantain growing communities in Edo and Ondo States • Study Data: Primary data obtained in a cross-sectional survey, by questionnaire administration. • Sample Design:187 farm householdsdrawn by multi- stage sampling process: • Stage 1: Purposive selection of two agricultural zones renowned for plantain production in each state. • Stage 2:Purposive selection of notable plantain growing communities in each of the four agricultural zones. • Stage 3: Selection of as many plantain growing farm households that were available at the time of the survey. • Data Analysis was by descriptive and budgetary techniques.

5. RESULTS & DISCUSSION

6. The Plantain Producers

7. Household Size & Workers

8. Access to Electricity

9. Access to Water

10. Access to Credit

11. Source of Land

12. Cropping System

13. Cost of Establishing 1ha Farm

14. Contribution to Household Income

15. Contribution to Household Food

16. Food for thought: • THE PLANTAIN CHIPS, DODO, BOLI AND KELUKELU THAT IS CONSUMED IN CITIES ARE GROWN IN COMMUNITIES WITH NO ACCESS ROOADS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, HEALTH CENTRES, PHARMACY SHOPS AND ELECTRICITY. • Appreciation. • We thank the University management and IFSERAR for the opportunity to connect with plantain farmers in Edo and Ondo and for the Knowledge acquired.