Cutting-edge Research in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 8

Abstract

This study examined the contributions of social capital to banana/plantain production in Irewole local Government Area, Osun State. Social capital can be said to be an asset needed by banana/plantain producers to expand their production in order to boost their household food security and ensure sustainable livelihood contributing to the overall food security of the nation. Respondents were also divided into various social classes, according to the report. The sample for the analysis was chosen using a multistage sampling technique. Three rural based wards were purposively selected while two villages from each ward were purposively selected. Making a total of 110 respondents selected.. Descriptive statistics such as pie and bar charts were used to summarize the data while inferential statistical tools such as chi-square and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. 36.0% of respondents fell between the age group of 60-69 years. Banana/plantain producers were male dominated (94.0%). 97.0% of the respondents belong to religious groups while 6.0% belong to non-governmental organization (NGO). Chi-square analysis showed that gender, marital status, age, religion, size of household, farm size and year of experience (?² = 83.782, 106.036, 103.0, 52.509, 64.909, 134.200, 159.208; P < 0.05) were all statistically significant to contributions of social capital respectively. It is concluded  that social capital played a significant role in banana/plantain production among rural residents. As a result, the use of social capital to supplement limited financial capital for increased food production should be encouraged.