Level of access to social capital and its predictors among rural farming households in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research analyzed level of access to social capital and its determinants among rural farming households in Abia State, Nigeria. A four stage multistage random sampling technique was employed in collecting data from two  hundred and four (204) rural farm households in local institutions using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, likert type scale and multiple regression analysis. The research revealed that the rural farming households actively participated in group meetings ( χ = 3.57), financial and material contributions (χ= 3.95) and group project (χ= 3.31). The study also showed that the women did not participate in recruitment of fresh members (χ= 2.65), committee membership (χ= 2.75) and holding of official executive position (χ= 2.63) in local institutions. The result of multiple regression analysis with exponential functional form as the lead equation showed that the significant predictors of level of access to social capital were the mode of funds generation, age, mode of entry and exit, gender, marital status, primary occupation, mode of obtaining information and frequency of visits by external bodies. The combined effects of all the variables explained 98.21% of the total variation in social capital participation level. It was recommended that individuals involved in recruitment into local organizations should focus on their acquaintances, who may be more easily convinced to affiliate, based on interpersonal relationship. This will consolidate and deepen interaction among members, and enable them build greater trust, and enjoy benefits of social networks in discharging their farm production obligations.

Keywords: social capital, level, access, predictors, farming households,