ASSESSMENT OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ON FOOD SECURITY AMONG RICE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN OBAFEMI-OWODE LGA, OGUN STATE

The assessment of sustainable agricultural practices and their effects on food security status among rice farming households in Obafemi-Owode local government area was examined in this study. Finding out about the socio-economic traits, the sustainable agricultural practices being adopted by rice farmers in the area, the food security status of the rice farming households and the effect of sustainable agricultural practices on food security status were the objectives of the study. A structured questionnaire was given to 120 rice farming households in the study area to collect primary data. Ordered logit regression model, the USDA Food security survey model frequency counts and means were used to examine data. According to the descriptive statistics, the mean age was 43.3 years, 83% were male, had secondary education. There was mostly 6-10 people per household at 55% followed by 11-15 person homes at 30%. 78% of respondents were married and the majority of rice farmers in Obafemi-Owode Local Government fall within the income range of ₦50,001 to ₦100,000 (15.0%). The most widely adopted practice is crop rotation at 40%, followed by construction of bund lines and farm drainage at 30% each. Less commonly adopted practices include IPM, Organic Fertilizers, and improved rice varieties at around 10% or less. These figures reflect the farmers’ awareness, access to inputs, and possibly the influence of extension services in the area. 70% of households were food insecure based on the USDA scale, highlighting the severity of the issue. Only 30% were either highly or marginally food secure. The most common coping strategies among households were found to be engaging in extra work and reduction in quantity of food eaten per time. The ordered logit regression results showed level of education and construction of farm drainage influence the food security status of rice farming households the most. This study recommends that more efforts be put into strengthening agricultural extension services in the area and that the government and relevant stakeholders introduce targeted financial support measures. Since larger household sizes were associated with lower food security, agricultural development strategies should incorporate family welfare interventions. Another critical recommendation is the establishment of robust monitoring and evaluation systems. By implementing these recommendations, the adoption of SAPs can be significantly enhanced, leading to improves food security and greater resilience among the rice farming households in Obafemi-Owode LGA.