Farmland abandonment risks among smallholder farmers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract Despite the implications of farmland abandonment for food security and livelihoods, its nuances remain under‐researched in sub‐Saharan African cities, particularly in certain regions where agricultural activities compete with residential development. Hence, this study examined farmland abandonment risks among smallholder farmers in the peri‐urban areas of Ibadan. Note that 161 peri‐urban farmers were sampled during their bimonthly farmer association meetings. Two focus group discussion sessions were held with them. The results indicated that most of the participants were older adults and middle‐aged males engaging in farming on a full or part‐time basis. An equal proportion of the respondents indicated abandonment and non‐abandonment tendencies. The overall model of binary logistic regression was significant [χ 2 (7) = 25.16, p < 0.001], suggesting higher odds of abandonment. In particular, closer proximity to residence, youthful population, and having tenure rights (at a marginal instance) were associated with higher abandonment risks. Interventions through state and non‐state programs to lessen abandonment risks among (younger) smallholder farmers are suggested to address food insecurity and its other likely consequences.