Abstract
The study focused on food security among households in rural
communities of Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, it determined food
items that are available to the rural households throughout the year; extent
to which the food items are accessible throughout the year; factors that
hinder availability and accessibility throughout the year; and ways of
improving food availability and accessibility to households throughout the
year. The study was survey. Area of study was Ayamelum Local
Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State. Population comprised of 158,
152 households in LGA. Data were collected through focus group
discussion (FGD) guide. Data collected were summarized and organized
based on specific purposes. Findings reveal, among others, that only two
food items (cassava and maize) were available to households throughout
the year. These can be processed into a variety of dishes; access to food is
limited; eleven factors hinder household food security including flooding,
activities of herdsmen and their animals eating up their crops. Further
findings reveal 10 ways of improving food security among households
which include; food borrowing and young children depending on school
lunch. Study concluded that households are not food secured. Based on the
findings, six recommendations were made for improving household food
security including; improved agricultural practices, and Home Economics
bodies should organize trainings and workshops regularly on ways of
improving food management practices.