CONTRIBUTION OF TOMATO FARMING TO RURAL LIVELIHOODS AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
Tomato farming in Kaduna State, Nigeria, has become increasingly significant for diversifying income of rural households. Nevertheless, most current research focuses on farming methods rather than on overall family well-being. The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) is used in this study to evaluate how tomato cultivation affects household well-being and livelihood, examine the associated social and fiscal factors, and identify the main obstacles to protecting these benefits. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 120 smallholder tomato farmers (60 men and 60 women) participating in tomato out-grower program State. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis using a composite Livelihood Outcome Index (LOI) were among the analytical techniques used. The results show that 76.7% of respondents earned more than ₦100,000 a month, while over 94% reported increased spending on housing, healthcare, and education, suggesting improvements in households’ welfare associated with tomato production. Regression analysis showed that household size and educational attainment had significant positive effects on livelihood outcomes, whereas age and gender were not statistically significant predictors. Qualitative data showed persistent gender disparities, especially in relation to male dominance over the control and use of household income. The primary constraints identified to sustaining livelihoods were pests and diseases (19%) and insufficient access to productive resources (19%). The study concludes that tomato production contributes to livelihood improvement and poverty reduction among smallholder farming households. Sustaining and expanding these benefits, however, requires greater investment in human capital, improved agricultural support services, increased access to productive resources, and gender-responsive interventions that promote equitable participation in and benefits from tomato production.