THE IMPACT OF FINANCING ON FOOD SECURITY AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN BENIN CITY CAMP

This study examined The Impact of Financing on Food Security among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benin City Camp. The survey research design was adopted because data were collected from a defined sample population with specific characteristics. Four research questions were formulated and answered using simple percentage, mean, and standard deviation analysis. The population of the study comprised residents of the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Benin City, Edo State. From this population, a total of 370 respondents were selected as the sample using a random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a twenty-item self-structured questionnaire designed to elicit information on sources of financing, utilization of funds, and their impact on food availability, accessibility, and adequacy among IDPs. The study was anchored on the Sustainable Livelihood Theory and the Food Security Theory. The Sustainable Livelihood Theory emphasizes how access to financial resources enhances the ability of vulnerable populations to secure food, build assets, and recover from economic shocks. The Food Security Theory, on the other hand, explains that financial stability and funding mechanisms directly influence food availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability among populations. Together, these theories provide a framework for understanding how financial inputs affect food systems, welfare, and resilience among displaced persons in Benin City Camp. Based on the findings, the study concluded that financing plays a crucial role in improving food security among internally displaced persons. Adequate funding facilitates the purchase and distribution of food, supports small-scale income-generating activities, and ensures a steady food supply within the camp. However, challenges such as insufficient financial support, poor fund management, lack of donor coordination, and dependency on irregular aid were found to hinder sustainable food security. Respondents emphasized that consistent and transparent financial support remains essential to improving the living standards and nutritional well-being of IDPs. The study recommends that government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and camp management should strengthen financial interventions by increasing budgetary allocations to IDP welfare, encouraging partnerships with NGOs, and establishing monitoring mechanisms to ensure proper utilization of funds. Furthermore, regular financial training and accountability frameworks should be implemented to promote sustainability and enhance food security outcomes among internally displaced persons in Benin City Camp