Effect of certified maize seed adoption on food security among farming households in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, driven by low agricultural productivity and limited use of improved seed technologies such as certified maize seeds. Despite evidence of their benefits, adoption of certified maize seeds remains inconsistent, and there is limited empirical evidence on their impact on household food security in Enugu State. This study therefore assessed the effect of certified maize seed adoption on household food security among maize farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey design. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 maize farmers, comprising 57 adopters and 63 non-adopters of certified maize seeds. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and binary logistic regression models to examine adoption determinants and the effect of certified seed use on food security. Certified maize seed adoption was found to significantly improve household food security. About 64.9% of adopting households were food secure compared with only 6.3% of non-adopting households. Logistic regression results showed that adoption had a positive and statistically significant effect on household food security. Household size and annual farm income were significant factors influencing adoption decisions. The study concludes that certified maize seed adoption significantly improves household food security among maize farmers in Enugu State. Strengthening access to certified seeds and improving farmers’ economic capacity could enhance adoption rates and contribute to improved food security outcomes.