Abstract

This study analyzed the effects of adoption of improved maize seed on household food security in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The study utilized primary data collected through questionnaire administered to 180 respondents selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistical tools (the Probit model). The results revealed a preponderance of economically active respondents as the majority (73.33%) were between the ages of 26 and 55 years with most (87.78%) being male. While majority of the respondents (64%) had formal education, 36.67% of the respondents had no formal education. Majority of the respondents operate at small-scale (≤ 2ha). Analyses of determinants of adoption revealed that education and extension contact significantly influenced the likelihood of the adoption of improved maize seed (ρ ≤ .01). Access to credit also influenced the adoption of improved maize seed. The study also found that adoption of improved maize varieties reduced the incidence, depth and severity of food insecurity among farming households in the study area. The study therefore concludes that level of education and extension contact influenced adoption of improved maize seed among farmers in the study area while adoption of improved maize varieties significantly reduced food insecurity among farming households in the study area. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that adult education programmes/campaigns be strengthened in order to expose farmer to opportunities including knowledge about improved crop varieties, improved technologies should be made available to farmer while farmers should be linked to sources of credit.