Effects of Dietary Habits of Arable Crop Farmers on Agricultural Productivity

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of dietary habits of arable crop farmers on the agricultural productivity in Ado-Odo Ota and Badagry Local Government Areas, Ogun and Lagos States, respectively.  The research explores the relationship between nutritional intake and physical activity levels and examines the impact on farmers' productivity and sustainable agriculture. A survey design was employed, with a sample of 120 arable crop farmers selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings reveal that 55% of the respondents were aged between 26 and 45 years, with 55% being male and 40% of the farmers had completed secondary education. The study also highlights a trend towards balanced nutrition, with 94.4% of participants consuming fruits and vegetables regularly, 86.6% includes lean proteins in their diets, and 61.7% minimizing their intake of sugary beverages and processed foods. Additionally, 82% of the farmers engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity between 6 and 8 hours daily, with 91.7% adjusting their diets accordingly to meet these physical demands. The research concludes that improved nutrition significantly enhances farmers' productivity, with 90% of the respondents affirmed its positive impact on job satisfaction and engagement. Factors such as convenience (94.5%) and cost (89.4%) play a crucial role in influencing food choices. These findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional interventions to enhance the productivity and quality of life of arable crop farmers in southwestern Nigeria to ensure sustainable agriculture.