Effects of vegetable production on income and livelihood of rural households in Nigeria
Abstract
Aims: The growing level of food insecurity and poverty in developing nations, especially among rural households, requires more effort and measures to curb it. Engaging in vegetable production by rural households can play a significant role in alleviating poverty, improving their nutritional status and livelihood. This study, therefore, investigates the effect of vegetable production on rural farmers’ income and households’ livelihood in Nigeria.
Methods and Results: Data collected from 400 vegetable farming households were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The results revealed that vegetable farming is a female-dominated venture (89.4% females). The regression results revealed that vegetable output had a positive and significant effect on rural households’ income. Other factors that influenced farmers’ income were household size, access to credit and farm size. Furthermore, vegetable production had positive effects on rural households’ livelihood by providing employment, income, basic needs, food, paying for school fees, improving their nutritional status and standard of living. Pests and diseases, poor storage facilities, post-harvest loss, inadequate credit facilities, high cost of inputs, poor knowledge of irrigation, poor transportation and poor extension services were the severe constraints faced in vegetable production.
Conclusions: It can be inferred that vegetable production contributed immensely to rural households’ economic status, livelihood and wellbeing. Although, the venture was faced with some challenges. Therefore, the provision of accessible and affordable credit facilities by banks, government and non-governmental organizations to the farmers is important as this would encourage them, curb most of the constraints and increase their income.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Understanding the effects of vegetable production on the income and livelihoods of rural dwellers will enhance participation. Therefore, the outcome of this study would allow policymakers to intervene in its production in view to lower poverty and malnutrition, and improve rural households’ wellbeing.
Keywords
References
- Asadu AN, Ozioko RI, Dimelu MU (2018) Climate change information source and indigenous adaptation strategies of cucumber farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. J. Agric. Exten. 22(2): 136-146.
- Ashagidigbi WM, Amos TT, Azeez F (2018) Contribution of fluted pumpkin leaf production by women to household income in the tropics. Intl J. Veg. Sci. 24(3): 205-211.
- Ayodele OO, Aboaba KO, Oladeji SO, Tolorunju ET (2021) Factors affecting productivity and intensity of market participation of leafy vegetable growers. Intl J. Veg. Sci. 27(1): 96-101.
- Fadipe AEA, Adenuga AH, Lawal A (2014) Analysis of income determinants among rural households in Kwara State, Nigeria. Trakia J. Sci. 12(4): 400–404.
- FAO (2020) On the road to the international year of fruits and vegetables 2021: Highlighting health and nutritional benefits through sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables. www.fao.org/food-loss-reduction/events-and-opportunities/detail/en/c/1297167/. (Accessed on 6/7/2021).
- Heinemann E (2002) The role and limitations of producer associations. European forum for rural development cooperation. September 04-06 2002, Mont Pellier, France.
- Isitor SU, Otunaiya AO, Iyanda JO (2016) Efficiency of vegetable marketing in peri-urban areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. J. Agric. Sci. 8(3): 142–150.
- Mukaila R, Falola A, Omotesho OA (2020) Food security status: its drivers and coping strategies among vegetable farming households. Cercetări Agrono. Moldova, 53(4): 414–425.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Zootechny (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Ridwan Mukaila
*
0000-0001-8584-0858
Nigeria
Abraham Falola
0000-0002-5265-9355
Nigeria
Sheu-usman Oladipo Akanbi
This is me
0000-0003-0177-7084
Nigeria
Angela Obetta
0000-0002-0562-2648
Nigeria
Lynda Egwue
0000-0002-2390-9220
Türkiye
Tochukwu Linda Onah
This is me
0000-0003-0490-2848
Nigeria
Publication Date
August 1, 2022
Submission Date
February 3, 2022
Acceptance Date
March 28, 2022
Published in Issue
Year 2022 Volume: 27 Number: 2
Cited By
Commercialization of Pigeon Pea Production: Its Determinants and Constraints
Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi
https://doi.org/10.33462/jotaf.1113523Effects of rabbit production on income and livelihood of rural households in Nigeria
Heliyon
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18568Assessment of livelihood development and diversity as a strategy to cope with livelihood vulnerability in Leh, India: a PCA-based approach
Environment, Development and Sustainability
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-04010-5Achieving sustainable food security: does urban household garden agriculture matter?
Environment, Development and Sustainability
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05956-wDoes irrigation improve smallholders’ vegetable intake and diet quality? Evidence from Northwest Ethiopia
International Journal of Vegetable Science
https://doi.org/10.1080/19315260.2025.2495936Effects of gold mining activities on rural households' material wellbeing in Osun State, Nigeria
Poljoprivredna tehnika
https://doi.org/10.5937/POLJTEH2502022BUnderstanding the factors contributing to food security among under-recognised indigenous vegetable farming households in Nigeria
Development in Practice
https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2025.2530454