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ACCESSMENT OF INFORMAL SOCIAL PROTECTION MECHANISMS AMONG FARMING COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA
Abstract
The study analysed informal social protection mechanisms among farming communities in South East of Nigeria. Primary data was collected by the use of a multi-stage random sampling technique with the aid of a questionnaire and interview schedule from 360 household heads. Results revealed that 63.3% of the respondents were males with age range between 41 to 50 years (45%) while 67.5% were married and 42.5% completed primary education. About 52.2% were involved in farming while 38.3% were involved in farming and trading. Results also show many (28.5%) farmers had annual income ranging between ₦50,000 to ₦100,000. The size of farm of majority (60%) ranged between 1 to 5 hectares. The respondents subscribed to some family and community support structures such as Isusu (30%) while the least (10%) is job reciprocal group. Reasons the respondents belong to a social welfare group were identified. Percentage distribution showed that majority (30%) of the respondents depends on remittances from their children, relations and friends. While the least form of social protection were apprenticeship and postponement of dowry payment. Major factors influencing the informal social protection mechanisms such as income level, educational status, household size, number of occupation, age, flood, sex, marital status, religion, and inexperience were identified using factor analysis. Results show that informal means of social protection is necessary for reducing vulnerability. the results therefore call for policies aimed at access to free andaffordable education for the low-income earners to enhance their standard of living. There is need for government and other organizations like NGOs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to assist the informal sector by providing financial assistance and/or inputs that will enhance the ability of the sector to sustain the farming households.
