AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
Abstract
This study assessed the psychological and social wellbeing status of cocoa farming households in
South-south zone of Nigeria. A multi-staged sampling technique was used in selecting 240 Cocoa
Farming Households (CFH) that were selected for this study. Data were collected from primary source
using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean
ratings were employed to analyze the data collected. Major findings revealed a grand mean of 2.85
indicating that social wel lbeing status of the rural households is moderate with the mean of social
integration ranking highest (x=3.14), followed by social contribution (x = 2.81), Social coherence (x
= 2.78) and social acceptance (x = 2.77) that ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. The grand mean of
psychological wellbeing of rural households was 2.90, indicating a moderate psychological wellbeing
status with the mean of variables under "Purpose i n life" having the highest mean of 3.18, this
was followed by those under “Self-Acceptance” (x= 3.00) and "Personal growth" (x= 2.87) that
came 2nd and 3rd respectively. The correlation result (r = 0.527) indicated a significant relationship
existing between the cocoa farming households' psychological wellbeing and their social wellbeing
status in South-South zone, Nigeria. The study concluded that both the psychological and social
wellbeing status of the households are moderate, not high and therefore recommends that Extension
agencies and Government need to reorientate cocoa farming households to keep them in the right
frame of mind and attitude as they carry out their farming activities as well as give them financial
assistance that will boost their level of production with increased income and in turn lift their social status
and general wellbeing.