Effects of Food Price Shocks on Nutritional Outcomes of Farm Households’ in Nigeria

Abstract

The key objectives of this study is to examined the effects of food price spikes on the quantity and quality of the dietary composition of farm households in Nigeria using the 2010/2011, 2012/2013 and 2015/2016 household survey panel data. The fixed effects models were estimated while controlling for participation in non-farm livelihood activities. Our analysis indicated that seasonal comparisons of the average per capita daily calorie intake is lowest in the post-harvest season of 2011 (2511.44 kilocalories), which is higher than the average recommended intake. Although higher spikes in the price of cereals consistently has negative effect on the real value of food (including calories) consumed, than  the dietary diversity of farm households as extreme food price shocks may constrain poor people (households) to shift to less-varied diets, which could have a harmful effect on their nutritional status. Rural households had lower per capita calorie intake and dietary diversity than urban households which may be an indicative of a shift in the calorie inadequacy from urban to rural farm households’ setting in Nigeria. Income and education improvement are crucial for raising food calories and satisfaction of hunger needs among households. A combination of policy strategies, including income growth, agricultural development and targeted food distribution programs could reduce the problems of inadequate calorie consumption among farm households.