Sociological Analysis of Stress Management among Farmers and Rural Development in Selected Communities in Kwara State

Abstract

Sunkanmi Folorunsho

Rural farmers, in most cases, act as their own managers and feel responsible for numerous farming issues over which they have little or no control. Essentially, farmers allocate a significant portion of their available time primarily to safety, as well as improvements in crops, land, and even livestock. However, it is very regrettable to think that they do not extend the same care or give equal consideration to their physical, social, and mental health and well-being, increasing the likelihood of stress. If this problem of stress persists, it could lead to a reduction in their ability to provide for themselves and also impact rural development. This is why the study was undertaken to determine whether there is a relationship between stress management among farmers and rural development. This was achieved through the use of the multi-stage sampling technique in choosing 360 respondents and employing Robert Karasek’s stress theory to explain the subject matter. The study concluded that stress among farmers could lead to rural underdevelopment. Thus, the study recommends that farmers should make an effort to reduce their stress by spending quality time with their families, employing more labor (if they can afford it), and interacting with other farmers, among other strategies.

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