Agricultural risk management practices and agribusiness performance: Insights from smallholder commercial farmers in Santa Subdivision, Northwest Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The study examined how agricultural risk management methods influence the performance of smallholder commercial agribusinesses in Santa Subdivision, Northwest Region of Cameroon. A quantitative approach was employed, using a cross-sectional research design. A multi-stage sampling method was applied. Both primary and secondary data sources were utilized. Structured questionnaires were administered to 124 participants, selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore how agricultural risk management techniques impact the success of smallholder commercial agribusinesses. Key agricultural risks identified included pest and disease outbreaks (42.7%) and weather-related risks (28.2%) associated with climate change. Regarding agricultural risk management strategies and performance, crop insurance (54.0%), crop diversification (62.1%), and resistant seed types (63.7%) were strongly endorsed by study participants. The challenges faced in implementing risk management practices showed that the use of resistant crop seed varieties (p-value = 0.000) was significant, farm size (p-value = 0.035) was significant for farm sizes ranging from 1 to 3 hectares, and membership of a cooperative society (p-value = 0.149) was statistically significant in enhancing the performance of smallholder commercial agribusinesses. Based on findings, the authors recommend the need for access to improved seed varieties and the need for government and private sector initiatives to train farmers on risk management, enhance access to agricultural insurance, as well as oversee seed development, certification, and pricing.