Impact of contract farming on the food security outcomes of cassava-producing households in Osun state

Food insecurity persists among smallholder farmers in Nigeria despite strong cassava production potential. Contract farming is viewed as a means of improving market access, input availability, and household welfare, but evidence on its impact on food security and dietary quality remains limited and often fails to account for heterogeneity in farmers’ participation decisions. This study examined the impact of contract farming participation on the food security status and household dietary diversity of cassava-producing households in Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 320 cassava farmers selected through a multistage sampling technique across four major cassava-producing Local Government Areas. Household food security status was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), while dietary diversity was measured using the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). Determinants and intensity of participation in contract farming were analysed using a Double Hurdle Count Data Model, while the Marginal Treatment Effect (MTE) framework was employed to estimate the causal impact of participation while accounting for observed and unobserved heterogeneity. The results show that many cassava-farming households experience food insecurity and low dietary diversity, with 22% mildly food insecure, 50% moderately food insecure, and 10% severely food insecure. In addition, a large proportion of households fall within the low dietary diversity category (52%), indicating limited access to a variety of food groups and poor diet quality. Participation in contract farming significantly improves both household food security and dietary diversity, although the effects vary across households due to differences in socio-economic characteristics and access to institutional support. Strengthening extension services, improving market access, enhancing farmer organizations, and promoting inclusive contract farming arrangements can enhance food security and dietary quality among smallholder cassava farmers in the study area.