Employment Opportunities in the Agricultural Value Chain: The Role of the Home-Grown School Feeding Policy in Cross River State

Abstract

The Home-Grown School Feeding Policy (HGSFP) in Nigeria is designed to improve school enrollment and nutrition while promoting economic growth within the agricultural sector. This study examines the extent to which the HGSFP has influenced employment opportunities in the agricultural value chain, focusing on its impact on local farmers and indirect employment in agro-processing and distribution. Guided by the Theory of Change (ToC), the study employs a descriptive survey research design, sampling 394 respondents using multi-stage sampling techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed through regression and correlation analysis, while qualitative responses were thematically examined. Findings reveal that the HGSFP has significantly increased the number of local farmers, with an R-value of 0.526 and an R-square of 0.277, indicating a positive correlation. Additionally, Pearson’s correlation analysis (r = 0.232, p < 0.01) confirms a significant relationship between the HGSFP and indirect employment in agro-processing and distribution. The study concludes that the HGSFP is a critical intervention for employment generation and agricultural value chain development. It recommends infrastructure improvements, better financial support, and enhanced logistics to maximize the program’s impact on economic development and food security in Cross River State.