Food Safety Risks and Production Practices of Maize and Cassava Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria: A District-Level Assessment

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) and cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) are important staple foods and major sources of food security, rural livelihoods, and agro-industrial development in Nigeria. Nevertheless, unsafe production, preservation, and handling practices pose serious food safety risks to public health and economic stability. This study evaluated maize and cassava production practices in Delta State, Nigeria, to determine food safety risks associated with chemical use, labor practices, and post-harvest management. It also examined how farmers’ socio-demographic attributes and access to extension services influence the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Hygienic Practices (GHP). A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, complemented with field observations and interviews. Data were collected from a sample of 180 maize and cassava farmers across the three senatorial districts of Delta State using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used for data analysis. The results revealed that over 70% of the farmers relied on manual systems and used agrochemicals without adequate safety knowledge. Adoption of GAP and GHP was significantly related to education and access to extension services (p < .05). The study concludes that food safety compliance is hindered by poor mechanization, limited extension support, and low awareness levels. Policy interventions should focus on strengthening agricultural extension systems, enforcing regulatory frameworks, and integrating farmer-centered training programs into state-level agricultural policies to enhance food safety and sustainability.