The Sociology of Food Insecurity Among Urban Poor Households in Kaduna Metropolis

Food insecurity among urban poor households in northern Nigeria has intensified significantly following recent economic disruptions including inflation, naira devaluation, and fuel subsidy removal. This study examines the sociological dimensions of food insecurity among poor households in Kaduna metropolis, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale to assess food insecurity severity among 350 households in three low-income residential areas: Rigasa, Hayin Banki, and Television Quarters. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve community welfare officers and food relief agency representatives. The Feminist Political Economy framework was applied to examine how gender shapes food insecurity experiences. Results indicate that 79% of surveyed households fell within moderate or severe food insecurity categories, with 34% reporting severe food insecurity involving adult meal skipping and food rationing for children. Female-headed households experienced food insecurity at 1.8 times the rate of male-headed households of equivalent income. Social coping strategies included communal cooking among neighbor households, temporary withdrawal of children from school to reduce household food demand, and mobilization of extended kinship gift support networks. Market proximity and access to regular casual labor income were the two strongest protective factors against severe food insecurity. Charity from mosques and churches provided critical nutritional relief for 44% of severely food-insecure households. Recommendations include targeted food voucher programs for female-headed households in Kaduna's low-income zones, and expansion of community food assistance organizations with government co-financing. Keywords: food insecurity, urban poor, Kaduna, gender, household coping strategies.