INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FOOD SECURITY AMONG MEMBERS OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE HOUSEHOLDS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change poses a major threat to food security, particularly among agricultural households whose livelihoods depend on climate-sensitive activities. This study examined the influence of climate change on food security among members of agricultural cooperative households in Kaduna State, Nigeria, focusing on rainfall shortage, flooding, windstorms, and heat waves and their effects on food availability, accessibility, affordability, and stability. The study was anchored on the Social-Ecological Systems (SES) Theory. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 321 respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique across four agricultural zones. A structured questionnaire, validated by experts and achieving a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.84, was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression at the 5% significance level with SPSS version 23. Findings revealed that rainfall shortage significantly reduced food availability (R = .996, R² = .992, p < .001), while flooding significantly reduced food accessibility (R = .997, R² = .995, p < .001). Windstorms significantly affected food affordability (R = .490, R² = .240, p < .001), while heat waves significantly reduced food stability (R = .994, R² = .988, p < .001). The study concludes that climate change significantly undermines food security and recommends climate-resilient agricultural technologies, irrigation, flood control, crop insurance, and cooperative-based adaptation strategies.