An Assessment of Risk Management and Coping Strategies of Farm Families in Southern Borno
Abstract
This work assessed the behaviour of farm families in anticipation of a shock and after its occurrence. The study utilized primary data obtained through the use of questionnaire administered on the respondent. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents were sampled and interviewed through a multistage random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result of the analysis revealed that farmers in the area suffered from crop failure, flood, drought, price fluctuation, bush fires and pests infestation. Management strategies identified include farm migration, savings and diversification. Coping strategies identified include remittances, extended working hours and diversification. A large number of the respondents reported no management strategy (60.8%) or coping strategy (77.4%), ignorance, fear to acknowledge the presence of risk, and beliefs were found to be the reasons why majority of the farmers have no risk management or coping strategy. This finding revealed that the vulnerability of the farm families to adverse effects of shocks is high. It was recommended that extension should educate farm families on risk, its management and coping strategies to help place them at a vantage point against shocks.
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