CONSTRAINTS OF DIVERSIFICATION AMONG SMALL-SCALE MAIZE (Zea mays), FARMERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SECURITY POLICY

Abstract

Diversification in agricultural production and income sources is often promoted as a strategy for boosting the resilience and reducing the vulnerability of smallholder farmers in developing countries. This study explores the diversification activities pursued by smallholder maize farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria, as well as the constraints they face in expanding these pathways. Utilising a multistage sampling procedure, data was collected from four hundred and five (405) smallholder maize farmers and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, standard deviation, charts, and percentages. The study established that the three most critical constraints associated with livelihood diversification were a lack of credit facilities (94.4%), a poor asset base (83%), and a lack of awareness and training facilities (67.1%). The major perceived potentials for intervention in livelihood diversification activities among maize farmers in the study area were contract farming (94.1%), social support (92.8%), temporary wage employment (89.9%), government relief such as agricultural support programmes (71.9%), and minimum investment (77.5%). The study concludes that lack of credit, limited assets, inadequate training, risk aversion, and limited non-farm opportunities hinder farmer efforts. Diversification strategies like contract farming, social support, temporary work, government assistance, and low-investment activities hold promise. Hence, maximize these benefits, it is recommended to prioritise rural infrastructure development, expand microfinance to increase access to credit, and strengthen extension services to offer tailored training in diverse farming practices, value-added, and financial management. Also, encourage participation in cooperatives or farmer associations to build collective power and address common challenges.