Household Poverty and Food Security: a Case Study Exploring Rural and Urban Food Systems in Anambra Sate Nigeria
Okpala, Emeka Franklin (2023) Household Poverty and Food Security: a Case Study Exploring Rural and Urban Food Systems in Anambra Sate Nigeria. Doctoral thesis, Royal Agricultural University.
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EFO GLOS-RAU-THESIS-HPFSRUFS-EMEKA-2023-PERFECT DIGITAL COPY-FINAL THESIS.pdf - Accepted Version Download (4MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Household poverty and food insecurity persist in Anambra State, Nigeria. Considering rural and urban food systems, this PhD study examines how food security can be improved in the study location and the mediating influence of household poverty and household decision-making in the study location, Anambra State, Nigeria. This study used the FAO construct of the four pillars of food security: availability, accessibility, utilisation and sustainability to frame the study. Using a pragmatic mixed method approach, rural and urban food systems were explored through two surveys. The surveys with 240 respondents (consumers n=120; farmers n=120) captured quantitative and some qualitative information. These surveys were supplemented by two group case interviews and other individual one to one interview sessions (n=3) that enabled discussions with farmers, food marketers, policy makers and agricultural extension providers in rural and urban areas. Findings show that in the urban location household poverty (low household income; and household decision-making (gender inequality) and weak infrastructural development are strong factors of influence on food security. In rural areas, household poverty and gender inequality (access to capital), weak infrastructural development; and inadequate extension services impact on food security. An additional pillar emerged in the study “food acquirability” as a socio-economic concept, and its impact on food security, is conceptualised, positioned and critiqued in this study. The inadequacies found within rural and urban food systems has implications for food security within and between food systems including the flow of agricultural commodities, other goods and services, and information to and from the rural and urban communities. Policy implications include that public and private investment is required for infrastructural development, both in rural and urban areas. There needs to be improvements in household incomes, promotion of gender equality, and enhancement of the national extension scheme, and research into effective urban food waste management schemes.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
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| Keywords: | Poverty, Food Security, Food Systems, Rural, Urban, Anambra, Nigeria |
| Divisions: | Land and Property Management |
| Depositing User: | Ms Susan Baker |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Jul 2026 14:17 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Jul 2026 14:17 |
| URI: | https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17116 |
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