Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Food Security in North East Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between agricultural entrepreneurship and food security in North East Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, targeting farmers and agribusiness investors in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. A total of 5,000 questionnaires were distributed, of which 4,869 were valid and returned, representing a response rate of 97.4%. The data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation with the aid of SPSS version 25.0 at a 5% level of significance. The findings revealed that agro-processing entrepreneurship has a positive and significant relationship with food security, indicating that value addition and reduced post-harvest losses enhance food availability and accessibility. The study also found a significant positive relationship between agri-tech entrepreneurship and food security, suggesting that the adoption of modern agricultural technologies improves productivity and supports sustainable food production. Furthermore, agri-business entrepreneurship was found to have a significant positive relationship with food security, demonstrating that efficient agribusiness management, improved market access, and strengthened agricultural value chains contribute to enhanced food security in the region. The study concluded that agricultural entrepreneurship is a critical driver of food security in North East Nigeria. It recommended increased investment in agro processing infrastructure, expansion of access to modern agricultural technologies through extension services and innovation support, and the provision of affordable finance and market linkages to agribusiness entrepreneurs to strengthen agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable food security.