Backyard Orchard Ownership: Implications For Rural Poverty Alleviation And Food Security Management in Nigeria

Orchards can generate financial benefits and are thus capable ofalleviating poverty and food insecurity. It is important to broaden andclarify the existing body of knowledge on the dual impact of orchardsownership among indigenous farmers. This study empiricallyinvestigated the direct and indirect impact of orchards on householdfood security, poverty status and ownership decision of orchards.Cross sectional data were collected with structure questionnaire fromrandomly drawn sample of 150 farmers. Primary data collected wereanalyzed using relevant descriptive and inferential statistical tools(mean, percentage, standard deviation, logistic regression and chisquare). The test of hypothesis indicated significant difference in theincome (poverty) level of owners and non-owners of orchards.Marketing of tree fruits generated 13% and 24% of household foodsecurity and income respectively. Multiplier index of 28% wasgenerated by orchards ownership. Income derivable via tree diversityand food security are the most significant factors that influenced treecrop ownership decision among rural farmers. It was recommendedthat international organizations such as World Bank, United Nationswith poverty alleviation and food security policies targeted atdeveloping countries should consider the dual potentials of backyardorchards in this regard.

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