ASSESSMENT OF STORAGE PRACTICES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON FOOD SECURITY AMONG RURAL FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Food security remains a persistent challenge among rural farming households in Northern Nigeria, largely due to ineffective postharvest storage practices that lead to significant food losses and seasonal shortages. Despite increased agricultural production, poor storage methods, inappropriate storage duration, and unfavorable storage conditions continue to undermine household food availability and stability. This study therefore examines the effects of storage practices on food security among rural farming households in Northern Nigeria. A cross sectional survey design was adopted, using primary data collected from 400 households selected through a multi stage stratified random sampling technique across the three northern regions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, diagnostic tests, and regression techniques. The findings reveal that storage methods, storage duration, and storage conditions all have positive and statistically significant effects on food security, with storage conditions exerting the strongest influence. The study concludes that improved storage practices are critical to enhancing food security by reducing postharvest losses and ensuring stable food supply. It recommends the adoption of improved storage technologies, farmer training on optimal storage duration, and investment in better storage infrastructure and conditions.