Analysis of the effect of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) on food security of maize production in Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the effect of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices (CSAPs) on the food security dimensions of availability, accessibility, affordability, stability, and usability of maize production in Southeast Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling method was adopted to select 375 farmers. Censored and OLS regression analyses were conducted using R software to analyze the data. Results indicate that certain CSAPs significantly influence the availability and accessibility dimensions of food security. Water management, residue management, mulching, crop rotation, adopting early planting, and obtaining credit were associated with higher levels of availability and accessibility, while practices like minimum tillage and improving access to information were associated with lower levels. Practices such as water management, minimum tillage, and adopting early planting positively influence affordability and stability. Furthermore, the study explores the influence of constraints on the practice of CSA in Southeast Nigeria. Farmers’ illiteracy (50.6)***, high production costs (4.00)***, lack of equipment and inputs, limited awareness of CSA practices (5.24)***, and resistance to change (13.70)*** were identified as key constraints. However, the study recommends that promoting awareness and incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices can encourage farmers to overcome resistance to change and embrace CSA initiatives, thus enhancing food security and economic development in Southeast Nigeria.