FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC STABILITY OF FAMILIES TOWARDS PREVENTING THE PHENOMENON OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KADUNA

Abstract

In Kaduna State, a region grappling with socio-economic challenges, the phenomenon of out-of-school children remains a pressing concern. Numerous factors contribute to this crisis, one of which is the intertwined relationship between food and nutrition security, family stability, and education. Food and nutrition security are critical not only for the physical development of children but also for their mental acuity and overall ability to engage in educational pursuits. The paper explores how enhancing food and nutrition security can lead to greater socio-economic stability in families, thereby preventing the alarming rates of out-of-school children in Kaduna State. In conclusion, enhancing food security can lead to healthier, better-educated children who are more likely to thrive academically and contribute positively to societal development, which can be achieved through strategic policy initiatives, collaborative efforts, and community engagement. It is recommended that, to reduce the phenomenon of out-of-school children in Kaduna State significantly, continued investment in food and nutrition security may not only address immediate survival needs but also lay a foundation for sustainable socio-economic development in the long term.