E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development

E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development Vol. 2 (2) pp. 060-065, May 2012; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2276-9897

Effect of Agricultural Exports on Food Security in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The objective was to determine the effect of agricultural exports on food security in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. A multi-stage sampling technique was used for the selection of one hundred and twenty (120) farmer respondents and the resulting data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that agricultural exports contributed 75.5% of the total non-oil export earnings in 2005 and 65.6% in 2009. The major agricultural crops exported included cocoa, cassava, yam, maize, millet, oil palm, beans, palm kernel, groundnut, melon, rice, sorghum, soybean, plantain, and rubber. The output of cocoa, cassava, yam, and rubber were considerable, being 272.6, 49631.6, 359228.6, 312.0 (000’tons) respectively in 2009. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.786 or 79% which implies a good fit in the regression model. However, three principal factors were extracted as the major factors that affect food security. The factors are economic, natural and institutional factors. The study showed that the exportation of agricultural products has significant effect on the food security situation in Ebonyi State. Provision of micro credit for the enhancement of agricultural production as well as input subsidy and tax relief, and promotion of agricultural market driven economy to diversify the already existing oil economy are recommended.

Keywords: agricultural products, export, food security, economy, Nigeria