From vulnerability to viability: Climate-Smart agriculture as drivers of productivity and food security in Nigerian maize-based farming households

Climate change poses significant threats to agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria, particularly among smallholder maize farmers in Southwest Nigeria, where erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods exacerbate vulnerability. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is increasingly adopted to enhance resilience, yet its effects on productivity and food security remain underexplored. This study investigates how CSA practices mitigate climate change vulnerability among Nigerian maize farming households, focusing on their impact on maize yield and household food security, and identifying factors influencing their implementation. Conducted in Southwest Nigeria, the research sampled 480 maize farmers using a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. Data on CSA adoption, productivity, and food security (Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) score, and Household Food Insecurity Access Prevalence (HFIAP) were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression (MESRM), Tobit regression, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Vulnerability was assessed with a Household Vulnerability Index (HVI). CSA adoption varied, with drought-tolerant maize varieties at 76 %, soil conservation at 44 %, and organic fertilizer at 39 %. MESRM showed significant yield increases (80.859 kg/ha with combined practices). HDDS improved with CSA, but HFIAS scores rose unexpectedly for some practices, indicating trade-offs. Adoption was driven by age, gender, and extension access, with barriers including household size and labor constraints. Vulnerability analysis highlighted regional climate risks, with CSA reducing exposure and sensitivity. CSA enhances resilience and productivity but requires tailored strategies to address adoption barriers and food security complexities. Integrated approaches and policy support are critical for maximizing benefits in climate-vulnerable maize systems.