Effect of Lead Mining on the Livelihood Structure and Food Security Dynamics of Agribusiness Households in Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of lead mining on the livelihood structure and food security dynamics of agribusiness households in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 60 agribusiness households. The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) model for food security assessment and probit regression analysis for identifying food security and livelihood diversification determinants were all employed. The findings revealed a predominantly middle-aged workforce, with significant economic diversification and a concerning shift towards mining as a primary income source, increasing from 7% to 93% over the past decade. This transition raised food security concerns, with 63% of respondents classified as food insecure. Key factors positively influencing food security included own food production, education level, and livelihood diversification, while age, household size, and losses due to mining negatively impacted food security outcomes. Farm size, level of education, cooperative membership, losses from lead mining, climate change and low agricultural yield positively affected the decision to diversify livelihood from agriculture into other income while age of farmers and income from farming negatively affected this. Policy interventions that enforce stricter environmental regulations to mitigate the adverse effects of mining on agricultural land and water resources is highly recommended. Policymakers and community leaders must consider integrated approaches that balance mining activities with sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security and community resilience.