Influence of Value Addition on Food Insecurity among Cassava-based Farm Households in Kogi State, Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of value addition on food insecurity among cassava-based farm households in Kogi State, Nigeria. A total of 246 respondents were selected via a three-stage sampling procedure. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and Ordered Logit Regression at (p≤0.05). Results revealed that cassava cultivation was male-dominated (72%). Only about 60% of the cassava tubers harvested were processed. Extension contact was low (13.6%). All the respondents still used traditional processing methods. Participation in cassava value-addition activities was low, with only about 56% of respondents processing raw cassava tubers into other forms. Most respondents (61.4%) were mildly food-insecure, while only 4% were acutely food-insecure. Further, participation in value addition (-0.217), education (-0.020), other income sources (-0.201), and farm experience (-0.006) reduced respondents’ food insecurity. The government, through extension agents, should raise awareness of the benefits and potential of value addition. The government should urgently provide modern processing equipment for farmers at a subsidized rate