Assessing The Adequacy of Current Agricultural Practices in Addressing Food Security Challenges in Southern Benue, Nigeria.

• Author(s): Tracy Iveren Kile ; Daniel Serki Orsterga ; Daniel Peverga Dam ; Joseph Enefu ; Joshua Oroduen Ahile
• Paper ID: 1708089
• Page: 1056-1069
• Published Date: 28-04-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 10 April-2025

Abstract

Agriculture remains a dominant economic activity in Southern Benue, Nigeria, playing a crucial role in household sustenance and regional food supply. This study assesses the adequacy of current agricultural practices in addressing food security challenges in the region. Using a descriptive analysis of farming systems, land access, and land use changes, the study evaluates how these practices support or constrain food availability, accessibility, and sustainability. Population data from the 1991 NPC census were projected to 2024 using a 2.3% growth rate, estimating a population of 1,264,854 across 997 settlements in four Local Government Areas (LGAs). A 1/10 sampling fraction selected 100 settlements, with a multistage sampling technique employed to ensure representative data collection. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations, and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that land access remains largely informal, dominated by inheritance (46%) and hiring (39.2%). Farm sizes have notably changed, with larger farms (over 6 hectares) increasing from 2.9% in 1991 to 20.6% in 2024, while small-scale farms (under 1 hectare) declined from 34.3% to 8.8%. Mixed farming—combining arable crops, tree crops, and livestock—was reported by 93.14% of respondents, reflecting a diversification strategy to mitigate food insecurity. Yam (41.2%) and sweet potatoes (32.4%) are the most cultivated crops, while 78.4% of farmers practice dual-purpose farming for both consumption and market sales. The study concludes that although diversification and expansion of farm sizes have enhanced productivity in some areas, challenges such as land fragmentation, population pressure, and shortened fallow periods undermine the sustainability and adequacy of current practices. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to strengthen food security through improved land management and support for sustainable agricultural systems.

Keywords

Agriculture, Farming Systems, Practices, Descriptive

Citations

IRE Journals:
Tracy Iveren Kile , Daniel Serki Orsterga , Daniel Peverga Dam , Joseph Enefu , Joshua Oroduen Ahile "Assessing The Adequacy of Current Agricultural Practices in Addressing Food Security Challenges in Southern Benue, Nigeria." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 10 2025 Page 1056-1069

IEEE:
Tracy Iveren Kile , Daniel Serki Orsterga , Daniel Peverga Dam , Joseph Enefu , Joshua Oroduen Ahile "Assessing The Adequacy of Current Agricultural Practices in Addressing Food Security Challenges in Southern Benue, Nigeria." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(10)