Effects of Involvement in Sustainable Agronomic Practices on Food Security of Rural Households in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

The subsistence nature of farming among rural households is likely to put them at risk of losing access to food during the lean season, however, sustainable agronomic practices (SAPs) is expected to guarantee adequate supply of food all year round. This study assessed the effect of involvement in SAPs on food security of rural households in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. The study used multistage sampling procedure to collect data on socioeconomic characteristics, awareness on SAPs, involvement in SAPs, and food security status from 117 household heads. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, multiple regression, Chi-square, and PPMC. Results revealed mean age of 46±7.5 years, majority (76.1%) of the households were male headed; majority (92.3%) had formal education and the average household size was 5.0 persons. Overall awareness level on SAPs was low (56.4%), crop rotation with mean value of 0.62 was the most practiced SAPs, however, the overall involvement of respondents in SAPs was low (57.3%), and about half (50.4%) of the respondents were food insecure in the study area. Practice of mulching and composting (β = - 0.22), and erosion control by terrace (β = -0.18) could have effects on household food insecurity. There was significant relationship between level of education and occurrence of household food insecurity (x2 = 9.487). Therefore, level of education, improved practice of mulching, composting, and erosion control by terrace would enhance household food security. Hence, it is recommended that more awareness and training be facilitated on mulching, composting and erosion control by terrace to increase farmers’ involvement and guarantee food security.