SOCIOECONOMIC DYNAMICS AND RESILIENCE STRATEGIES AMONG MAIZE FARMER’S MICROCREDIT UTILIZATION IN SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the socioeconomic dynamics and resilience strategies among maize farmers utilizing microcredit in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 240 maize farmers, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that most farmers were male (94%) and within the economically active age group of 30–39 years (58%). A majority were married (72%) and had at least secondary education (72%), with an average household size of eight persons and mean farming experience of 14 years. Most respondents operated small-scale farms (58%, 1.00–1.99 ha), with land mainly acquired through inheritance (71%). Microcredit was primarily utilized for purchasing inputs (19%), processing and packaging (15%), and working capital (12%), while some funds supported education (9%), healthcare (11%), and personal investments (3–6%). However, only 8% of farmers exhibited high utilization, indicating constraints related to limited financial literacy and restrictive loan conditions. Major production constraints included high input costs (25.7%), drought (23.5%), and poor soil fertility (14.1%). Farmers adopted coping strategies such as livestock sales, irrigation practices, and organic soil management. The study concludes that microcredit supports farm and household needs but its effectiveness is constrained by access limitations and production challenges. It recommends improved microcredit accessibility, financial literacy programs, and investment in irrigation infrastructure to enhance productivity and resilience.