Farming profitability as a mediator of government support for small scale farming and food security in Nigeria

Purpose The study sought to determine the extent to which profitability mediates the relationship between government support for small scale farming (SSF) and food security. Design/methodology/approach The authors used the quantitative research method and the design was a cross-sectional survey. The study obtained the sample of the respondents from small-scale farmers in North East, North central and South West Nigeria using a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Convergent and divergent techniques served to assure of the validity of the instrument while composite reliability served as the reliability of the instrument. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings Results showed that government’s provision of subsidies for farm inputs and low-cost credits significantly influence the profitability of small-scale farmers and thus enhances food security. In addition, the profitability of farming mediates the relationship between government’s support for SSF and food security as the profitability of farming motivates people to farm with the expectation of profitable returns. The study makes a theoretical and empirical contribution to knowledge. Research limitations/implications The first limitation is the restriction of the contributors to members of cooperative societies. The study relied on members of cooperative societies to ensure objectivity as well as to facilitate accessibility to farmers in the area. The non-inclusion of farmers that are not members of cooperative societies is a constraint. A third limitation was the non-availability of records, kept by local farmers, of their activities especially as related to government support. However, the farmers’ experiences and answers were instrumental in getting the necessary information. Social implications Adequate provision of food will enhance food security and lead to zero hunger consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 2. This will help to eliminate frustration and the attendant social vices. Originality/value The integration of the theory of how government support for agriculture affects productivity and the theory of net farm exit to explain how government support for SSF contributes to food security. Secondly, although some of the extant studies imply profitability, this study is about the first to use profitability to mediate the relationship between government support for SSF and food security. Lastly, the proposed model of government support for SSF and food security provides useful insights that can contribute to policymaking for the enhancement of agricultural productivity.