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Agricultural commercialization and smallholder farmers’ food security in Nigeria

Author

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  • Ajisafe, Oluwaseun Gabriel
  • Idiaye, Chuks Onyeka
  • Oluwatayo, Isaac Busayo

Abstract

The study examined the impact of agricultural commercialization on the food security status of smallholder farmers in Nigeria, a nation where agriculture has a crucial role in both economic sustainability and food provision. Utilizing the most recent data from the Nigeria General Household Surveys (NGHS 2018/19) and employing an Instrumental Variable Probit regression model, the research assesses the relationship between the level of commercialization, as measured by the Household Commercialization Index (HCI), and food security outcomes among smallholder farmers. The outputs reveal a significant positive link between higher levels of commercialization and improved food security. Specifically, an increase in the HCI correlates with a notable rise in the probability of achieving food security, with a statistically significant average marginal effect (AME) of 0.061, highlighting the potential benefits of market-oriented farming practices. This study also considers various socio-economic factors, including household size, marital status, and access to credit, to understand their influence on food security. The obtained results underscore the significance of supporting agricultural commercialization as a strategy to enhance food security among smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Paper calls for targeted policy interventions to facilitate access to markets, improve agricultural education, and provide financial services to farmers, aiming to bolster commercial activities and, consequently, food security.

Suggested Citation

  • Ajisafe, Oluwaseun Gabriel & Idiaye, Chuks Onyeka & Oluwatayo, Isaac Busayo, 2025. "Agricultural commercialization and smallholder farmers’ food security in Nigeria," Western Balkan Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development (WBJAERD), Institute of Agricultural Economics, vol. 7(1), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:iepwbj:356808
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.356808
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sylvester Ochieng Ogutu & Theda Gödecke & Matin Qaim, 2020. "Agricultural Commercialisation and Nutrition in Smallholder Farm Households," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 71(2), pages 534-555, June.
    2. Abu, Godwin Anjeinu & Soom, Aondonenge, 2016. "Analysis Of Factors Affecting Food Security In Rural And Urban Farming Households Of Benue State, Nigeria," International Journal of Food and Agricultural Economics (IJFAEC), Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Department of Economics and Finance, vol. 4(01), pages 1-14, January.
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