The Sociocultural Dynamics of Food (In)security Among Farming Households in Oyo State, Nigeria

Olamide O Bisi-Amosun, Purdue University

Abstract

The progress towards achieving global food security has declined with one out of nine people in the world suffering from hunger. Increased agricultural productivity remains the predominant approach to tackling global food insecurity, which has resulted in the neglect of the cultural context food insecure people live in. This phenomenological study investigated the sociocultural factors that influence food (in)security through food production, consumption and distribution behaviors of two farming communities in Oyo state, Nigeria. Several key findings illustrate the critical role that socio-cultural factors play in explaining food (in)security among vulnerable populations. First, definitions of hunger and poverty are uniquely defined by farmers, potentially skewing results of conventional interventions. Study participants defined hunger as unavailability of a socially desirable food (yam) using cultural norms and practices rather than insufficient food. Second, farming households utilize unique coping mechanisms to insure consumption of foods and diet diversity (five groups daily) – even during the hunger season. Third, discriminatory gender and generational norms influencing food-related behaviors in farming households disadvantage children and some women but make older women (grandmothers, aunties) less vulnerable to food insecurity. Finally, farming households’ dependence on rainfall drives food (in)security through food availability and economic access (through purchase). Food (in)security is strongly influenced by socio-cultural factors unique to the village. As such, it is critical that development stakeholders understand definitional differences in terms used in conceptualizing food security. Food production, distribution and diet diversity are reflected in culturally adaptive patterns and need to be understood in their entirety before recommending significant changes to cropping systems. Additionally, gender should be disaggregated to reflect its complex interaction with other identities (age, marital status). Researchers and practitioners need to holistically evaluate the inextricable link between environmental, economic and cultural factors if they hope to effectively address food insecurity in developing nations. A phenomenological approach allows the voice of vulnerable populations to emerge, and the possibility for inclusion of these key stakeholders in the food security discussion.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Pfeiffer, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Climate Change|Agriculture|Behavioral psychology|Natural Resource Management|Psychology|Sub Saharan Africa Studies

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