Gender and Food Security Status of Smallholder Upland and Swamp Rice Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study examined gender and food security status of smallholder upland and swamp rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It aimed to: (i) describe the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers by gender; (ii) determine their food security status by gender; and (iii) estimate the effects of socioeconomic factors, technology gap, and economic efficiency on food security outcomes across gender and production systems. Study Design, Place, and Duration: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study was conducted in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, between January and August 2025. Methodology: A multistage sampling technique was used to select 180 rice farmers, stratified into upland and swamp systems and by gender. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) food security index, and binary logit regression. Results: Food insecurity was widespread, with 66.7% of households classified as food insecure. Gender and system-based variations were observed: food insecurity was highest among male swamp rice farmers (85.2%), followed by female swamp (68.5%), female upland (55.6%), and male upland (47.2%) farmers. The severity index was also highest for male swamp farmers (FGT₂ = 0.180). Binary logit regression revealed significant predictors of food security: education (β = -0.534, p<0.01), farming experience (β = 0.320, p<0.05), age (β = -0.165, p<0.10), and technology gap (β = -0.026, p<0.10) for male upland farmers. For female swamp farmers, age was positive (β = 0.140, p<0.10), while farming experience (β = -0.247, p<0.05) and technology gap (β = -0.203, p<0.10) negatively affected food security. Conclusion: Food insecurity among rice farmers in Ebonyi State is alarmingly high, with significant gender and ecological system disparities. Targeted, gender-responsive interventions addressing education, technology access, and institutional barriers are vital to improving household food security in both upland and swamp rice syst