Dry Season Farming among Youths: A Panacea to Food Insecurity in North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined dry season farming as a panacea to insecurity challenges in North Central, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the relationship between dry season farming on food availability; accessibility; utilization; and stability; identify challenges affecting dry season farming; and provide dry season farming strategies required by youths. The population for this study was 90 comprising 30 lecturers from three Universities, 30 dry season farmers and 30 Agricultural extension agents in North Central, Nigeria. The entire population of 90 subjects was used for the study as a sample size. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interview. Data collected was analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings of the study revealed a perfect positive correlation between dry season farming and food availability with an r-value of 0.998. The study found a perfect positive correlation between dry season farming and food accessibility with an r-value of 0.786. Also, the study found a perfect positive correlation between dry season farming and food utilization with an r-value of 0.412. There was a perfect positive correlation between dry season farming and food stability with an r-value of 0.979. Results of findings of the study revealed challenges of dry season farming with a significant value of 0.000 (p=.000 < 0.05). Finally, the findings revealed strategies for effective dry season with a significant value of 0.000 (p=0.000 < 0.05). The study concluded that youths could adopt agricultural strategies that would enhance dry season farming for enhanced food security. It was recommended that youths in North Central, Nigeria should engage in dry season farming to ensure food availability; accessibility, utilization and stability. Adequate irrigation systems, funds and other inputs should be made available to youths to enable them to participate fully in dry season farming.