Optimizing the Comparative Advantage of Agricultural Products in Kaduna State to Enhance Food Security in Response to Climate Changes

This research focuses on optimizing the comparative advantage of agricultural products across Kaduna State's three senatorial zones to enhance food security in response to climate change. A descriptive survey research design was employed to guide the study, with stratified sampling comprises of 18 (6 local government areas from each zone) randomly selected from the 23 local government areas in the state. A sample size of approximately 2,556 farmers was selected using the Yaro Yamane formula for determining the sample size. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, econometric modeling, stakeholder interviews, and field observations, the study comprehensively analyzed the agricultural landscapes, products endowments, and climate patterns of the selected local government areas and access the current agricultural practices, productivity and challenges faced by farmers in each senatorial zone to achieve its goals. Four research questions and a hypothesis were used in the study. A 100-item, five-point likert scale questionnaire, validated with a reliability index of 0.865, was adjudged as reliable instrument and usable for the study. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while multi-regression analysis was applied to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 significance level. The result showed significance difference in crop yield between comparative advantage crops and other cultural agricultural practices yield with a calculated value of 4.26 was greater than the regression valued of 1.74. Based on the findings the North Senatorial Zone should focus on Millet, Sorghum, Groundnuts, Cowpea, and Sesame; the Central Senatorial Zone on Maize, Soybeans, Rice, Tomatoes, and Cotton; while the South Senatorial Zone on ginger, Yam, Cassava, Plantain/Bananas. The study also recommended strategies for improving agricultural productivity by ways of improving access to irrigation systems, modern farming techniques, storage and marketing which could further enhance productivity, partnership, stimulating economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, reduce product wastage and dumping and infrastructural development. It also emphasized the need for targeted policies, infrastructure developments, research and technology transfer, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration to maximize the agricultural potentials.