Labor utilization and food security among rural maize farmers in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria: A careful analytical study

This study investigates the relationship between labor use and food security among rural maize farmers in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. Using a two-stage sampling procedure, 125 maize farmers were selected from various villages within the study area to participate. A structured questionnaire was employed to gather data, focusing on labor allocation, food security metrics, and socio-economic variables. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a food security index, and a probit regression model. Findings indicate that maize farmers in Abuja Metropolis utilize both hired and family labor, with varying implications for household food security. Specifically, higher reliance on family labor tends to enhance food security, whereas increased dependence on hired labor correlates with decreased food security among rural farming households. Based on these findings, the study recommends several interventions to improve food security in the region. These include enhancing access to credit facilities for farming households, promoting agricultural engagement among youth to alleviate dependency on non-agricultural jobs, and advocating for family planning initiatives to manage household size, thereby mitigating food insecurity risks associated with larger families. This research contributes to the understanding of labor dynamics in agricultural settings and offers practical insights for policymakers, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations aiming to strengthen food security initiatives in similar contexts.