Background: Food security is fast becoming a problem for human beings because of rising populations. Increase in consumption growth and possible decline in food availability. This study assessed Mini-livestock production as a strategy for food security in Benue State. The study examined food security status of the farmers, relationship between income from sale of mini- livestock and their food security status, determinants of food security status and the constraints encountered in mini-livestock production in the study area were examined, analysed and identified. The study utilized a random sampling technique to select a sample of 150 mini- livestock farming households from the list of farmers gotten from Benue state Agricultural and Rural development programme.

Result: Data collected were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Food security index, correlation, logistic regression and Likert - scale. Using the food security index approach, the results revealed that 75% of the respondents were food secure while 25% were food insecure. The result of the correlation analysis shows that there’s a positive, strong and significant relationship between the income of mini-livestock farmers and their food security status (r=0.593; P≤ 0.001). The result of the logistic regression revealed that household size and income from sale of mini-livestock are significant determinants of food security in the study area. The coefficient of income realized from sales of mini - livestock (0.107) was positive and significant at 5%, implying that as the income realized from sales of mini-livestock by the respondent’s increase, more money is earned resulting to increased food security status of the respondents. The major constraint encountered by Mini-livestock farmers in the study area is inadequate credit.

Conclusion: In conclusion, mini-livestock production contributes to food security status of farmers in the study area. Hence, it is recommended that people who have interest in mini- livestock production should be encouraged through provision of incentive and necessary production facilities.

Keywords: Mini-Livestock, Production, Strategy, Food Security, Households