Effects of Selected Rural Innovations in Promoting Food Security among Small-holder Farmers in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed the effects of selected rural innovation practices in promoting food security among smallholder farmers in Kano State, Nigeria. Three LGAs were initially selected randomly from each of the 3 Agricultural zones of the State. Two rural communities were further selected randomly from each LGAs to form the six communities. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 111 farmers using random sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential (Logit regression) statistics. Findings revealed that majority of the rural dwellers were arable crop farmers, within active and productive years, married with an average household size of 9 members. Planting, organic and inorganic manuring, weeding, triple bagging, early harvesting and mulching were some of the rural innovations identified. The study further revealed that, age, household size and farming experience were the socio-economic factors that influenced the use of rural innovation practices in the state. The findings also revealed that; triple bagging, early harvesting and mulching were the innovations that had positive effect on household food security in the area. Major constraints militating against the use of rural innovation in the area include; poverty, shortages of land and other resources among others. Therefore, this study recommended that, farmers should make good use of post- harvest innovation practices such as triple bagging and early harvesting for effective household food security.