Language and culture: Prerequisites for human capital development and enhanced household food security among vulnerable women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract

Language and culture are critical determinants of human capital development and household food security among vulnerable women farmers. This study examined the influence of language and culture on human capital development and food security among women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and 250 women farmers were selected from a population of 2,500 registered women farmers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and oral interviews and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The results showed that the dominant languages used for agricultural information dissemination were standard Igbo (78.8%), local Igbo dialects (69.6%), and English language (62.0%). Language significantly enhanced understanding and learning, with Igbo improving understanding (M = 3.26), local dialects enhancing learning (M = 3.24), and translation improving learning outcomes (M = 3.28). Cultural norms restricted women’s access to productive resources, including land ownership (M = 3.34), credit facilities (M = 3.22), decision-making processes (M = 3.24), and extension services (M = 3.16). Culture also constrained human capital development through limited participation in training programmes (M = 3.28), restricted access to education (M = 3.25), and reduced adoption of innovations (M = 3.29). However, culture positively contributed through the transmission of knowledge and skills (85.2%), promotion of moral values (80.0%), communication skills development (78.0%), and work ethics (75.6%). Effective strategies for improving human capital development included the use of visual aids and demonstrations (M = 3.44), translation of manuals into local languages (M = 3.42), community radio broadcasting (M = 3.41), and indigenous-language extension services (M = 3.40). The study concludes that integrating indigenous languages and culturally responsive approaches into agricultural extension and training programmes can strengthen human capital development, improve productivity, and enhance household food security among women farmers.