Covid-19 lockdown: Assessment of food security status among rural dwellers in Ogun state

The lockdown measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19 disrupted supply chains, hence food insecurity was inevitable in the rural areas of the state. This study has described personal characteristics, and perceptions on COVID-19 among the rural dwellers, as well as coping strategies during the lockdown, and assessed the food security status in the rural areas of the state. Data were collected from 210 rural household heads through personal interview. Results show that the average age of the household heads was 52.9 years. Most (74.8%) of the households were male headed. More than half (54.8%) of the rural households had negative perception towards COVID-19 pandemic. Further, consumption of own farm produce was the most used coping strategy during lockdown in order to ensure food security. About half (51.4%) of the households were food secure during COVID-19 lockdown. Consequently, significant difference existed between the food insecurity status of male and female headed households (p < 0.05). Although, more male headed households were food insecure than female headed households. Thus, agriculture should be classified as essential sector during uncertainties and at all times to keep rural economy active and consequently ensure food security in the rural areas.