Unraveling the Mediating Role of Resilience in the Social Capital-Well-Being Nexus Among Farmers in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Resilience is increasingly recognized as a key factor in improving farmers' well-being in response to various agricultural challenges. However, the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between social capital (SOCAP) and farmers' well-being (FWB), especially in resource-constrained environments, remains insufficiently explored. This quantitative study, based on 348 valid responses from Kano State, Nigeria, employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the relationships within the proposed framework. The findings reveal that social capital (SOCAP) has a positive impact on farmers' well-being (FWB), both directly and indirectly, through resilience. Resilience emerges as a critical mediator, enabling farmers to adapt to shocks, access resources, and leverage their social networks effectively. By fostering resilience, farmers can enhance their capacity to sustain and improve their livelihoods despite economic and environmental challenges. This study underscores the importance of developing social capital and resilience to address agricultural vulnerabilities, providing valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners to design interventions that promote sustainable well-being and agricultural practices in rural communities.