Effect of social capital on food security status of rural farm households in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analysed the effect of social capital on food security status of rural farm households in Enugu state, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was employed in collecting data from 180 farm households using structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, food security index, Tobit regression and Pearson product moment correlation. Results showed that the farm households had mean monthly food expenditure/consumption of ₦14,600. Result of social capital dimensions showed that the farm households belonged to at least 2 associations and had cash contribution index of 68.01% and participated in two out of three decision making processes of their association. Result also showed that 58.33% of the farm households were relatively food secure. Result of Tobit regression analysis showed that cash contribution index, membership density index, association heterogeneity index and decision making index significantly influenced the rural farm households’ food security status. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between social capital and food security status of the farm households at 5% level. The study recommends that relevant agencies with mandate to enhance food security status of farm households should make policies aimed at promoting membership of farmers to local agricultural associations/cooperatives where opportunities for access to social capital abound.

Keywords: Farm households, food security, social capital