Resilience to Shocks and Food Insecurity in Developing Countries: Evidence from Chicken-rearing Households in Nigeria

Despite the prevalence of internal stressors, including climatic, economic, and disease-related challenges that threaten the consistent availability of local poultry products, existing studies have largely concentrated on external shocks, leaving the resilience to internal shocks among chicken-rearing households under-researched. This study addresses this gap by examining the resilience of chicken-rearing households in Nigeria and its implications for food security. Primary data from 2,007 households were analyzed using the FAO's Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA II) framework, employing the Factor Analysis and Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model. Key shocks identified include high feed costs (78.77%), high fuel costs (67.12%), and high input costs (46.19%). Agricultural market distance (0.548), formal education (0.590), number of ox ploughs owned (0.444), and participation in information organizations (-0.022) were major contributors to household resilience capacity. Resilience was stronger in the south (86.22%) and urban areas (81.86%) compared to the north (70.00%) and rural areas (75.90%). Despite current resilience strategies, the study reveals that food insecurity remains widespread (98.69%) among chicken-rearing households. MIMIC model estimates indicate that resilience capacity, high fuel costs, and social safety nets significantly reduce food security. While access to basic services positively affected food expenditure, it negatively influenced dietary diversity. Conclusively, addressing high input costs, market volatility, and security challenges through targeted interventions, redesigned safety nets, and enhanced asset-building and educational programmes are essential for improving resilience and food security among households in Nigeria.