References
dependence, and several other cognitive biases (Dalhaus et al., 2020). EUT, however, retains its value as a strong foundational theory to agricultural decision-making under risk, particularly in situations where farmers deal with measurable probabilities and monetary returns. 2.2.2 Sustainable Livelihood Framework Sustainable livelihood framework was proposed by Robert Chambers and Gordon Conway in the 1990s. The Framework was developed by the UK Department for International Development operationalized as a tool for assessing how households build and sustain livelihoods amid changing and vulnerable conditions. The SLF highlights that a household’s ability to build and sustain livelihoods depends on multiple capitals such as human, financial, P-ISSN 2695-186X natural, social, and physical capital and that the resilience and sustainability of such livelihoods hinge on the capacity of a household to hold, build, and transform these assets, while navigating shocks, stresses, and seasonal variability. The framework’s integration of the economic, social, and ecological dimensions of rural life, the intersection of social and economic relationships, and the focus on the policy and institutional context that governs household choices have contributed to the popularity of the SLF in development and agricultural research (DFID, contemporary reviews). 2.3 Empirical Review Alabi et al. (2023) evaluated maize farmers’ attitude towards risk management and preference for crop insurance in Nigeria. The study used a cross-sectional survey design and a multi-stage sampling approach to gather primary data from 100 maize producers in selected 92 maize- producing communities. The findings showed a low insurance engagement and moderate insurance awareness. Most of the farmers showed interest in informal insurance and risk management. Many cited inadequate product knowledge and distrust towards insurers as primary obstacles to access to formal insurance. The strongest predictors of a positive attitude towards insurance were education, contact with extension services and membership in farmer associations. Baba, et al. (2024) assessed the factors influencing the adoption of agricultural insurance among crop farmers as a climate change adaptation strategy in Borno State, Nigeria. The study employed a survey design to source primary data the respondents and a logistic regression model for estimating adoption likelihood. The findings showed that lack of awareness, high premium costs, and the absence of custom-tailored products were the key reasons for low adoption. Bridging the provider–farmer gap requires attention to communication and security issues in conflict-affected areas with limited distribution networks and low confidence in formal institutions. The limited focus within the research on innovative delivery mechanisms suitable for such insecure environments (e.g., mobile money, community-based loss assessors) was another gap. Aina, et al., (2024) explored the technical and operational dimensions in crop index insurance as a tool for climate resilience among smallholder farmers in Nigeria. The study used a mixed method approach and included several farm households in the selected pilot areas. It was found that index products can substantially reduce verification and pay-out time, which are critical for closing operational gaps. Farmers’ confidence in the product diminished by significant basis risk and limited local data. Of importance, the study found that membership in farmer associations and access to extension services significantly increased the willingness to purchase index insurance, which points to the need for technical approaches to be complemented with robust social distribution networks. Bai et al. (2024) examined the effect of agricultural insurance adoption on the productivity of smallholder rice farmers in North Central Nigeria. The authors employed a quasi-experimental cross-sectional design with propensity score matching and surveyed several rice producers. Results showed higher satisfaction when claims were paid in a timely manner and when insurers provided clear documentation, satisfied insured farmers were more likely to renew and to recommend insurance to their peers, indicating a reputational multiplier effect. Nwachukwu, et al. (2021) studied farmers’ perception of agricultural insurance and its implications for policy and practice in Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods design with a broad survey (n ? 400) in multiple states and follow-up focus groups, farmers’ perception is shaped by past exposure to shocks, peer experiences, and visible examples of claims processing. They theorized that lack of education, complex claims contracts, and sporadic negative anecdotes lead farmers to speculate insurance fraud and equate it with insurance. The empirical gap highlighted was the scarcity of controlled trials and trust building interventions randomized P-ISSN 2695-186X disclosure of claim histories, community demonstration of pay-outs, or independent verification. Madaki, et al. (2023) studied the awareness and adoption drivers of agricultural insurance in six agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. A total of 1080 farming households were sampled. Less than half of the respondents understood agricultural insurance, less than 9% surveyed respondents purchased insurance. Accessibility and timeliness of payments, and perceived sufficiency of claims were the major constraints. Complex and non-administrative procedures at registration and claims submission were top deterrents. Farmers without long term extreme weather, better educational attainment, and access to banks were the major risk adopters. Educated respondents in the study also highlighted long and slow verification checks as hurdles. Aina, et al. (2025) investigated the option of choosing index-based livestock insurance to alleviate the adverse effects of climate change in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 392 farming households across 8 of 16 Local Government Areas in Kwara state. A contingent valuation method was adopted to assess respondent’s willingness to pay for such insurance and add to the growing literature on IBLI uptake. Findings showed that farmers are willing to pay a 1.3% premium for IBLI, which is lower than the current premium charged for traditional agricultural insurance in Nigeria which typically ranges from 2% to 5%. The results also highlight the need to consider insurance uptake and access to credit as complementary climate change mitigation measures. 3.0 Methodology 3.1 Research Design This study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and utilized a structured questionnaire for quantitative data collection. This design is suitable for evaluating the relationship of variables within a specific timeframe across a selected population (Chanuan, et al., 2021). The survey captured independent, mediating, and dependent variables (the subcomponents of AI, RMC, and the dimensions of FBS) within the conceptual framework. 3.2 Population of the Study The study focused on maize farmers in Ogun State who are affiliated to the Maize Association of Nigeria and maize growers. MAAN noted that maize producers are a considerable proportion of MAAN-registered members (MAAN, 2023). Although MAAN is made up of various players (processors, seed companies, and feed millers), producers or farmers form a major part. The researcher worked with MAAN's state and local government area branches to get the official membership records as the MAAN offers no specific data around membership across their website. This data helped in assisting to distribute the membership data across LGAs for Yewa North, If?, Ijebu North East, and Odeda as presented in Table 3.1 below. Table 3.1: Population of Maize Farmers in Ogun State (MAAN-registered) S/N Local Government Area Number of Registered Maize Farmers 1 Yewa North (Ayetoro) 150 2 If? 54 3 Ijebu North East 80 4 Odeda 106 Source: Authors’ Compilation P-ISSN 2695-186X 3.3 Sample Si
