Impact of Food Assistance Programs on Household Food Security in Ahoada West Lga, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of food assistance programmes on household food security in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The population comprised beneficiary and non-beneficiary households in the study area, and a sample of 183 respondents was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Household food security and dietary diversity were measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), respectively. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, chi-square analysis and regression analysis were performed at the 0.05 significance level. The results showed that household food insecurity was prevalent among respondents, with a mean HFIAS score of 11.8 ± 5.6. Only 15.4% of households were food secure, while 64.8% were moderately or severely food insecure. HFIAS scores were significantly lower and dietary diversity scores significantly higher among beneficiary households than among non-beneficiary households. Regression analysis also indicated that participation in food assistance programmes significantly predicted household food security outcomes. The study further found that households adopted coping strategies, including reducing meals, borrowing food and consuming cheaper foods, in response to economic and environmental pressures, such as rising food prices and flooding. The study concluded that food assistance programmes contributed positively to household food security and dietary diversity among beneficiaries in Ahoada West LGA. It recommends expanding food assistance coverage, improving targeting and distribution systems, and integrating livelihood and nutrition-sensitive interventions to enhance sustainable household food security outcomes.