AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMES AND FOOD INSECURITY AMONG SMALL HOLDER’S FARMERS IN NIGER STATE

Abstract

Agricultural technology investment programmes are increasingly promoted as policy instruments for improving productivity, strengthening rural livelihoods, and reducing household food insecurity among smallholder farmers. However, the extent to which such programmes translate into measurable food security outcomes remains uncertain, particularly in state-level agricultural contexts. This study examined Agricultural Technology Investment Programmes and household food insecurity among smallholder farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Anchored on the theory of change, the study adopted a mixed-methods descriptive approach. Quantitative data were collected from 474 smallholder farmers across six selected Local Government Areas using likert scale questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews with six stakeholders in Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, senior officials of Farmers Association of Nigeria, Niger State chapter and Fadama Association; and one Focus Group Discussion with agricultural extension workers. Descriptive statistics, stacked bar charts, and independent samples t-test were used to analyse the quantitative data, while qualitative data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six-phase procedure. The findings showed that ATIPs contributed to household food security-related outcomes through improved access to farm inputs, increased productivity, storage support, market linkage, income improvement, and enhanced coping capacity. However, the independent samples t-test did not establish a statistically significant difference in household food insecurity between ATIP beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries at the 0.05 level of significance. Qualitative evidence nevertheless indicated that beneficiaries were better positioned in terms of technology access, extension contact, storage capacity, dietary diversity, and resilience during lean seasons. The study concludes that ATIPs have positive but limited effects on household food insecurity in Niger State, as their expected final impact has not fully translated into statistically measurable differences between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Therefore, this studyrecommends stronger implementation, timely input delivery, wider beneficiary coverage, improved storage and market support, and targeted inclusion of vulnerable smallholder farmers to enhance the food security impact of agricultural technology investments.