An Empirical Evaluation Of The Impact Of Agricultural Programs On Food Security In Adamawa State

Abstract

This study empirically evaluates the impact of agricultural programs on food security in Adamawa State, Nigeria, focusing on the availability of staple food crops and household access to food. Despite government interventions including the State Subsidised Input Program, Fadama projects, and the Anchor Borrowers’ Program, food insecurity persists due to poverty, youth unemployment, climate variability, and conflict. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 450 respondents across six purposively selected Local Government Areas. Regression analyses employing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), robust OLS, and log-linear models were conducted. Results show that participation in agricultural programs significantly improves staple food availability (β = 0.284, p < 0.01) and household food access (β = 0.241, p < 0.01). Access to subsidised inputs (β = 0.219, p < 0.01) and agricultural credit (β = 0.182, p < 0.01) further enhance food availability, while household income (β = 0.318, p < 0.01) and education of household heads (β = 0.124, p < 0.01) positively influence food access. Larger household sizes, however, negatively affect food access (β = −0.067, p < 0.05). These findings support the Sustainable Livelihoods Theory by highlighting the role of financial, human, and physical capital in improving production, income, and resilience. The study recommends strengthening program implementation through expanded input support, improved extension services, enhanced credit facilities, and promotion of education and income diversification to ensure sustainable food security.