Rural development as a panacea to stimulating rural livelihood in the post-COVID era: is agriculture still the key?

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Agriculture represents one of the most important means of rural livelihood in Nigeria. Hence, agricultural development is essential for advancing the rural economy. Due to the benefits of employment creation, food security, and income generation, it is typically regarded as a tool for rural development

Objective: The study aimed to develop a model through which the components of agricultural development can enhance rural livelihood.

Methodology: To create a representative sample of the respondents in the research locations, a multi-stage sampling procedure was used. Afterward, a structured questionnaire was utilised to gather information from the respondents, who were randomly chosenndom from the state's three senatorial districts. Data for the study were analysed using a binary logistic regression model.

Result: The result showed that Mechanical Technology (MET), Innovative crops (ICR), Micro Credit Scheme (MCS), Chemical fertilizer (CFE) and Good Rural Roads (GRR)] exert positive and statistically significant relationships with the dependent variable. This means that a one percent increase in the utilization of MET, ICR, MCS, CFE, and GRR would stimulate the likelihood for rural livelihood to rise by 2.5%, 6.2%, 1.2%, 2.9% and 1.4%, respectively. More so, the odd ratios indicate that the rural populace had 1.3, 1.8, 1.1, 18.1 and 1.2 odds of experiencing improvement in rural livelihood for every unit of increase in the availability and utilisation of MET, ICR, MCS, CFE, and GRR. Moreover, the coefficient of Pest Control Chemicals (PCC) was found to exert negative interaction with the dependent variable. However, at a 5% threshold of significance, the relationship was shown to be statistically insignificant.

Unique Contribution to Knowledge: This study provides a roadmap through which the living condition of the rural population could be enhanced through the mechanism of sustainable rural agricultural development in the study area.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, the study concludes. that rural livelihood can be significantly improved through the development of agriculture.

Recommendations: Greater attention should be paid to agriculture as a deliberate way of promoting rural development through poverty reduction.