Academe Research Journals

Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluating the Anti-Poverty Potential of Livelihood Strategies among Smallholder Maize (Zea mays L.) Farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria

¹*Yakubu, I., ²Oladimeji, Y. U., ³Bala, A. H., ⁴Ali, M. A., ⁵Adamu, Z., ⁶Sani, A. A., ⁷Saddiq, N. M., ⁸Suleiman, R.

¹*Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Nigeria

^2,6Institute for Agricultural Research/Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria

³Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Abubakar Tafa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria

⁴Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Nigeria

⁵Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Nigeria

^7,8Institute for Agricultural Research/Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s email: ibrahimyakubu07@gmail.com

Accepted 16 September, 2024

Abstract

Poverty persists among rural smallholder farmers in Nigeria, particularly those dependent on maize cultivation. This study assesses the potential of various livelihood strategies to alleviate poverty among smallholder maize farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to collect data from 405 farmers, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) model, and logistic regression. The analysis revealed that non-farm activities contribute significantly to the income of 38% of farmers. The established relative poverty line at ₦134,253.50 classified households as non-poor, moderately poor, or very poor, with 48% falling into the poor category. Additionally, 63% of households had below-average food energy intake, and 64.8% were classified as poor based on an adjusted dollar-per-day measure. Statistically significant determinants of poverty included crop diversification, livestock, farm labor, remittance, and farm rent. The study concludes that livelihood diversification is a viable strategy for improving economic well-being and reducing poverty among smallholder maize farmers. Empowering farmers through targeted training in income-generating activities such as poultry rearing, vegetable farming, and handicrafts, along with business management skills, is recommended. These initiatives should be supported by agricultural extension services, NGOs, and private organizations to maximize impact.

Keywords: Livelihood diversification, smallholder farmers, maize production, poverty reduction, Nigeria.