SOCIAL NETWORKS AND INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT ADOPTION: EFFECTS ON MAIZE YIELDS AND FOOD SECURITY OF FARMERS IN NORTHERN REGION

Abstract

Land degradation, unreliable rainfall, population growth and chronic poverty in subSaharan Africa challenge the sustainability of soil fertility, crop yields and general livelihoods (food security) for smallholder farmers. Several soil fertility management interventions have been introduced to farmers in groups over the years, but different levels of uptake, determinants and socio-economic effects have been reported in separate studies. However, the determining role of social networks in adoption and a comprehensive and systematic estimation of the effect of adoption on maize yields and food security requires further understanding. This study examines the effect of intensity of adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility Management technologies through social network on smallholder farmers’ maize yields and food security in Northern Region. The study administered a semi-structured questionnaire to 300 sampled maize farmers selected through a multi-stage random sampling technique from three selected districts in the Northern Region. Multivariate probit model was used to examine the determinants of farmers’ choice of sources of agricultural information. The models were estimated individually and also within Conditional Mixed Process (CMP) system for choice of appropriate estimation due to endogeneity. Results of the CMP estimation showed that age, educational status, maize farm size, access to mobile phone and radio significantly influence farmers’ choice of source of agricultural technology information. The results also showed that age, educational status, farmers’ innovativeness, moist land, family labour, perception of erosion, farm production cost, access to research institutions, trainings on ISFM and social networks significantly determine the intensity of adoption of ISFM. Furthermore, age, experience in farming maize, farm size, family labour availability, amount of fertiliser applied per hectare, burning of crop residue, perception of fertility of farmland, pest control, Tropical Livestock holding, wealth index, extension contacts, social networks and the number of ISFM practices adopted have significant impact on maize yields. Also, the results revealed that age, household size, education, informal credit, farm size, intensity of ISFM practices adopted and maize yields influence farm household food security. It is recommended that there should be enhanced collaboration between farmers and research through community level training on ISFM practices to promote soil fertility. MoFA and other research institutions should adopt the mass communication and training sessions through the use of mini vans and tricycles to disseminate information on ISFM practices. They should also promote diversification of farm enterprises to enhance food security.