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Research Article
Impact of Small-scale Irrigation on Rural Household Food Security in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Matusala Meskele Ossa,
Yisehak Ossa Jokka*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
84-97
Received:
22 May 2026
Accepted:
11 June 2026
Published:
3 July 2026
Abstract: This study assesses the impact of small-scale irrigation (SSI) schemes on rural household food security in Sodo Zuria Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. SSI is crucial for improving livelihoods and reducing food insecurity, a persistent challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in disaster-prone areas where many households have long relied on food aid. By boosting agricultural productivity, irrigation is a key strategy for meeting the needs of a rapidly growing population. The research used data from randomly selected households, both irrigation users and non-users. Food security status was measured by daily calorie intake, and analysis employed descriptive statistics, a logit regression model, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to estimate irrigation impact. Results revealed that irrigation users were more food secure, with higher annual food consumption expenditure and better access, availability, and stability indicators. PSM confirmed a significant positive effect of irrigation on household income and food consumption, highlighting SSI’s role in enhancing rural food security. Annual food consumption expenditure was positively and significantly associated with household food security at the 1% level. Household purchasing power and the ability to meet food needs either through own production or market purchases. Higher food expenditure often indicates better economic status, which enables households to invest in irrigation and related agricultural improvements, thereby reducing vulnerability to food insecurity.
Abstract: This study assesses the impact of small-scale irrigation (SSI) schemes on rural household food security in Sodo Zuria Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. SSI is crucial for improving livelihoods and reducing food insecurity, a persistent challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in disaster-prone areas where many households have long relied on food ...
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Research Article
Camel Milk Commercialization: Determinants of Milk Marketing and Input Purchasing Decisions in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
98-110
Received:
15 June 2026
Accepted:
29 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
Abstract: Demand for animal products is increasing, and pastoralists can seize the opportunity to advance food security and economic development. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine how pastoralists' demographics, physical assets, and human capital relate to decision-making and the extent of market participation. Binary and multiple linear regression were performed at a 0.05 level of significance. A mixed-methods approach was employed to collect information, including Focus Group Discussions with different camel milk-producing and marketing stakeholders, facilitated by the researcher and staff from the Livestock Departments. Qualitative content analysis, involving repeated readings, was employed to identify recurrent patterns and themes. Quantitative data analysis involved determining means and applying a double-hurdle model, with a binary regression in the first stage followed by linear regression in the second stage for the decision and extent of market participation, respectively. Coefficients for every variable of regression were at a 0.05 level of significance. Pastoralists who had other sources of income were 86% and 79% in Isiolo and Marsabit counties, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of participating in milk sales were lower among households that were not accessing extension services (OR=0.186, p<0.05). Extension services were associated with a 38.9% increase in extent of milk sales during the dry season, while additional years of experience were associated with a 18.5% decrease (p < 0.05). Larger herd sizes significantly increased the proportion of milk sold in the dry season but reduced the percentage sold during the wet season. This is because the local demand in dry periods encouraged more sales. The study recommends strengthening extension institutions through policy formulation and implementation. Indigenous methods of increasing milk shelf life were found to have other negative effects. Therefore, investing in cold chain infrastructure could significantly enhance the efficiency, safety, and profitability of the camel milk value chain. Information generated will give policy guidelines on areas to emphasize for socio-economic development in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
Abstract: Demand for animal products is increasing, and pastoralists can seize the opportunity to advance food security and economic development. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine how pastoralists' demographics, physical assets, and human capital relate to decision-making and the extent of market participation. Binary and multiple linear reg...
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Research Article
Arable Crop Farmers Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies: Socioeconomic Differential Perspective in Southwest Nigeria
Damilola Rike Adejumo,
Abeeb Babatunde Omotoso*
,
Mojirayo Ayooluwa Ayodele
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
111-116
Received:
2 March 2026
Accepted:
13 March 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
Abstract: Food insecurity remains a critical challenge among arable crop farmers in Nigeria, particularly in Southwest, where socio-economic vulnerabilities and climatic shocks continue to undermine food availability and accessibility. This study investigates the coping strategies adopted by arable crop farmers in the face of food insecurity, aiming to provide insights for policy interventions. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 480 respondents across key agricultural zones in Oyo State. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentage rankings of coping strategies. Findings reveal that the most frequently adopted coping mechanisms include allowing children to eat first (27.3%), eating once a day (37.2%), and selling household assets (16.5%). Other strategies such as reducing food quality, picking leftover food at events, and begging for food were less commonly reported, possibly due to associated stigma or cultural reservations. Additionally, a significant proportion of respondents (57%) occasionally bought food on credit, while 59.5% relied on food assistance from relatives or friends. These coping strategies reflect both adaptive and erosive responses, with implications for long-term food system resilience and household welfare. The study concludes that food insecurity among arable crop farmers in Oyo State triggers a range of short-term coping mechanisms, many of which may compromise future livelihoods and productivity. It is recommended that government and development agencies strengthen rural social protection programs, enhance farmers' access to credit and productive assets, and promote community-based food support systems.
Abstract: Food insecurity remains a critical challenge among arable crop farmers in Nigeria, particularly in Southwest, where socio-economic vulnerabilities and climatic shocks continue to undermine food availability and accessibility. This study investigates the coping strategies adopted by arable crop farmers in the face of food insecurity, aiming to provi...
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Research Article
Assessing Food Security of Maize Farming Households Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis in Selected Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Mohammed Maina*,
Aisha Simbiat Hussaini
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
117-122
Received:
23 June 2026
Accepted:
7 July 2026
Published:
24 July 2026
Abstract: The study used stochastic frontier analysis to assess food security of maize farming households in selected Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was used in selecting the maize farming households out of which, 156 households were selected. Questionnaires were used to collected primary data for the study. A Stochastic frontier production analysis was used to measure the productive efficiency of the maize farming households by modelling the maximum possible output that can be produced with a given set of inputs. The log-likelihood extracts from the data reveals the existence of inefficiency on the part of the maize farming households. The data revealed a 23% random variation in the yield of the maize farming households due to technical inefficiency. The average technical efficiency of the maize farming households was 0.83 inferring that, they are able to obtain 83% of possible output from a given blend of production inputs. Therefore, in the short-run, there is minimal scope (17%) of increasing their production efficiencies, through technology adoption, best farming practices and precision farming. The estimated coefficients of all the parameters of production function (seeds, fertilizer, agrochemicals and labour) were positive with the exception of agrochemicals. Factors affecting the efficiencies of the maize farming households were educational level, household size and age. The positive output from the determinants and the production efficiency led the farming households to be food secure with 54.45%.
Abstract: The study used stochastic frontier analysis to assess food security of maize farming households in selected Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was used in selecting the maize farming households out of which, 156 households were selected. Questionnaires were used to collected primary data for the study. A Stochasti...
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Research Article
An Analysis of Product Flow Along the Fertilizer Value Chain in Kaduna State
Mohammed Maina*,
Aisha Simbiat Hussaini,
Abdulrahman Sanni
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
123-130
Received:
23 June 2026
Accepted:
3 July 2026
Published:
24 July 2026
Abstract: The study was carried out in Kaduna State to analyse the product flow of the various actors along the fertilizer value chain in 2021. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data for the study from the fertilizer value chain actors. Power analysis was used to arrive at the sample size for farmers with an actual power point of 0.95 and 0.99 respectively for retailers and farmers. Other actors were selected through different sampling methods are blenders, transporters and retailers. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed that efficient product flow in the chain has enabled stakeholders to reduce the cost of operations significantly. Notably, a substantial percentage of agro-dealers (74 per cent), blenders (83 per cent), retailers (100 per cent), and wholesalers (48 per cent) acknowledged this tangible benefit. This implies that optimized product flow streamlines the movement of fertilizer products from suppliers to retailers and end-users, minimizing delays and related costs. It also revealed that Agro-dealers (100 per cent), blenders (74 per cent), retailers (72 per cent), and wholesalers (37 per cent) recognized increased business earnings as one of the most significant tangible benefits in the chain. A well-organized product flow leads to increased sales and revenue generation. Under product flow, seven items that were loaded on the first factor to explain the variance 55% included such statements as reduced cost of production, increased profit, increase returns on investments, reduced waste, avoid over production, and improved timeliness of product movement with alpha value of 0.96, the result implied that the measurement scale is a good indicator of the underlying construct.
Abstract: The study was carried out in Kaduna State to analyse the product flow of the various actors along the fertilizer value chain in 2021. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data for the study from the fertilizer value chain actors. Power analysis was used to arrive at the sample size for farmers with an actual power point of 0.95 and 0.99 r...
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Research Article
Economic Survival vs. Childhood: Investigating Child Labour in the Fishing Industry of Daam, Balochistan
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
131-142
Received:
22 March 2026
Accepted:
7 April 2026
Published:
27 July 2026
Abstract: Child labor is a global social issue, with its primary causes rooted in socio-economic factors. The main objective of this study is to analyze the causes of child labor in the fishing industry of Lasbela District, Balochistan. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study, through which data was collected using surveys and interviews. children engaged in child labor are included in present study. A total of 103 working children were interviewed, to know about their lives and causes to get work in fishing factory “Damm”. For analysis, descriptive analysis and the Chi-Square Test were used to determine the relationships between variables. The results revealed that most children earning between PKR 9,000 to 11,000 per month had been engaged in labor for over a year. Moreover, children whose fathers were illiterate were found to be involved in work for a longer period compared to those whose fathers had at least a primary or middle-level education. A statistically significant relationship was found between parental education and child labor. The study confirmed a meaningful correlation between child labor and factors such as children's income, father's education, and family education. It concluded that population development, access to free education, and the provision of employment opportunities can play a vital role in reducing child labor.
Abstract: Child labor is a global social issue, with its primary causes rooted in socio-economic factors. The main objective of this study is to analyze the causes of child labor in the fishing industry of Lasbela District, Balochistan. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study, through which data was collected using surveys and interviews. ...
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Research Article
Agricultural Commercialization and Household Dietary Diversity: Evidence from Smallholder Farmers in Tanzania
Selemani Zuberi Omari*,
Charles Katiya
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
143-152
Received:
24 June 2026
Accepted:
9 July 2026
Published:
28 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijae.20261104.17
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Abstract: Agricultural commercialization is widely promoted as a strategy for improving rural livelihoods and reducing poverty among smallholder farmers. However, its association with household dietary outcomes remains unclear, particularly in developing countries where households often balance income generation with food production. This study examined the association between cash crop production and household dietary diversity among smallholder farmers in Tanzania. The study used secondary data from the Tanzania National Panel Survey (NPS) 2020/21 and focused on 86 farming households with complete information on dietary diversity and crop production. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used as an indicator of dietary quality. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression was employed to examine the association between cash crop production and household dietary diversity, followed by a robustness analysis using robust standard errors. The results showed that participation in cash crop production was significantly associated with lower household dietary diversity. Households engaged in cash crop production recorded lower HDDS than those not engaged in cash crop production, indicating that agricultural commercialization did not necessarily correspond to more diverse diets. Education level was the only socio-economic characteristic positively associated with dietary diversity, whereas food crop production, age, gender, marital status, and main occupation showed no significant associations with dietary diversity. The findings are consistent with the Agricultural Household Model, which emphasizes that farm households make production and consumption decisions simultaneously under resource constraints. The study concludes that agricultural commercialization alone may be insufficient to improve household dietary diversity and should be complemented by nutrition-sensitive extension services, farmer education, and policies that promote balanced crop production systems.
Abstract: Agricultural commercialization is widely promoted as a strategy for improving rural livelihoods and reducing poverty among smallholder farmers. However, its association with household dietary outcomes remains unclear, particularly in developing countries where households often balance income generation with food production. This study examined the ...
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