Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences: Home

Article Title:
Social Capital Formation: The Missing Link Among Food Crops Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria
by Olawuyi, Seyi Olalekan and Olawuyi, Tosin Dolapo

Abstract:
Nigeria situation on food production is precarious as its significant percentage is left with only the bilious taste of insufficiency both in food production and consumption, especially among rural households. They are most vulnerable to this dwindling situations; this dirge persists till today. There is growing evidence that social capital is an additional input in the household?s production function and as such, element for sustainable development due to the roles it plays in managing risks, shocks, and opportunities for increased food crop production and improving household welfare. It has been observed that not all social capital leads to growth or development. Some social capital may be beneficial while some may be deleterious depending on the motives behind its formation. Data collected from 233 respondents through multistage sampling was analyzed through composite score analysis, probit and ordered probit regression models. Findings revealed that more than half (66.10%) of the respondents derived intermediate benefits from social group membership. Significant determinants of social capital formation are: age, year spent in school, household size, primary occupation and indigene status. This study concludes that socio-economic characteristics and human capital endowments make significant contributions to social capital formation and the benefits derived from social group membership.

Keywords: social capital, food crops farmers, ordered probit model, composite score, Nigeria

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