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

Sociological Analysis of Stress Management among Farmers and Rural Development In Selected Communities in Kwara State | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Systematic Review Sociological Analysis of Stress Management among Farmers and Rural Development In Selected Communities in Kwara State Sunkanmi Folorunsho This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833658/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract 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. Sociology Rural development Stress farmers Figures Figure 1 INTRODUCTION Stress can be perceived as a state of mental depression, illness, and worry triggered by the inability to cope with work demands, social functions, and responsibilities. Farming is undeniably one of the most challenging and arduous professions, carrying a higher possibility of leading to stress and stress-related conditions. In rural communities, farmers often live where they work, with their spouses and/or other family members acting as their work assistants (Meludu and Bajowa, 2008 ). Farmers, in most cases, manage their own operations, feeling responsible for numerous issues over which they have little or no control. Various challenges, such as poor family relationships, financial problems, price and marketing fluctuations, farm-to-market transfer issues, production and harvesting challenges, storage and weather difficulties, and social pressures, pose significant stress sources for farmers in rural areas and their family members. Concerns about stress faced by farmers have been growing in recent years (Read, 2011 ). Despite dedicating considerable time to agricultural activities, farmers often neglect their own health, social, and mental well-being. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control (2016), farmers, forestry workers, and fishermen are at the top of the suicide record, with 85 per 100,000 individuals every year. This alarming trend has distressing effects on rural development and even urban centers, given the crucial role of farming in these communities and its impact on overall agricultural production. Several factors predispose farmers to stress, including financial problems, fluctuating product prices, growing expenditures, excessive debt, irregular cash flow, and insufficient capital for basic agricultural activities. Additionally, unfavorable weather conditions and excessive workloads contribute to stress. Agriculture holds paramount importance in the Nigerian economy, generating employment, contributing significantly to the GDP, providing food, raw materials, foreign exchange earnings, and supporting the industrial sector (World Bank, 1998; Okumadewa, 1997 ). The sector has a strong link to rural communities, and the well-being of farmers demands urgent attention. Stress, a fundamental challenge facing farmers in rural Nigeria, can adversely affect agricultural productivity, particularly in food crops (Michie, 2001). Given that 65% of Nigeria's total population resides in rural areas where agriculture is the predominant occupation, addressing stress among farmers becomes crucial for rural development (Federal Bureau of Statistics, 2017). Rural development is a global phenomenon, impacting both advanced and developing nations (Abass, 2007 ). Government policies often influence rural communities, and since farming is the predominant occupation in these areas and a key driver of rural development, addressing farmers' stress becomes essential for maximizing productivity and output. Problem Statement Farmers in rural areas often grapple with a multitude of challenges, including financial stress, poor harvests, crop damages, inadequate budgeting, uncertain climate changes, disparaging government policies, and long working hours. The interplay of social demands and economic burdens exerts unprecedented pressure on these farmers. The inherent nature of farm work, as pointed out by Sainath (2007), limits farmers' control over various aspects of their lives, such as decisions regarding weather, agricultural product prices, equipment, and targeted markets. This lack of control renders farmers susceptible to stress, particularly related to physical, behavioral, and emotional issues (Rao, 2005 ). Developing nations like Nigeria face a higher share of stress-related problems among farmers due to insufficient capital assistance from the government and strong social demands intertwined with traditional social engagements inherent in the African social system. The pressure to handle responsibilities and issues concerning relatives and families, coupled with difficulties in securing an adequate workforce for farmlands, serves as significant sources of stress. Disagreements within the family, with relatives, and the perceived lack of importance within the family or community can further contribute to stress among farmers in rural communities. Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, providing raw materials for local industries and international trade, and extending its influence to the non-farm economy. Consequently, farmers' well-being significantly impacts rural development in both rural areas and urban centers, making the agricultural sector pivotal to the overall GDP of Nigeria. Recognizing the paramount importance of reducing stress among farm families, this study adopts a sociological approach to assess how stress affects farmers in rural communities. While acknowledging existing literature on the subject, this work uniquely explores the social perspective of the stresses farmers endure, their stress management strategies, and the resulting impact on rural development in Nigeria. The study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the subject matter. It outlines three primary objectives: To highlight the causes of stress among farmers in rural areas. To examine stress management strategies employed by farmers in rural areas. To understand the relationship between stress management techniques and rural development. Literature Review Stressors among farmers Life for local farmers can be challenging, especially as they strive to provide for their families and sustain their farms or related businesses. According to Ramesh and Madhavi ( 2009 ), the following factors contribute to stress among farmers: Economic Pressures:Financial incapability is a significant source of stress for farmers in local areas. Many farmers lack the necessary financial resources, exposing them to various threats. Additionally, low product prices, rising expenditures, high debts, and poor cash flow can induce stress among farmers, impacting rural development and overall food supply. Climatic Conditions: While this form of stress is natural, local farmers regularly contend with the variability of weather. They must adapt to encourage better agricultural output while navigating the pressures inherent in farming as a profession. Overwork or Long Hours: Overworking, common in the farming system, can lead to physical and emotional strain. Activities such as land clearing, fertilizing, grading, ditching, contouring, tilling, fencing, plowing, planting, cultivating, weed and pest control, spraying, trimming, harvesting, pruning, constructing farms and stock ponds, and irrigation ditches demand extensive hours of labor. Stress from People: This stress may arise from disagreements with relatives or laborers, insufficient workers for the farmland, conflicts with partners or children, inadequate time spent with one's family, and a lack of recognition as a significant figure in one's profession by others. In addition to these four causes of stress, a shortage of labor is another significant source of stress among farmers. Labor demands fluctuate in virtually all agricultural areas, leading to a shortage when farmers cannot find enough workers to fill vacant positions. This shortage can result in stress and high costs of agricultural commodities and services, inhibiting agricultural output. Local farmers face challenges in recruiting, training, and retaining experts and laborers due to relatively poor payment and less attractive employment practices, making skilled jobs less appealing (Baker, 2002 ). Symptoms of Stress in farmers Inability to concentrate on farm demands, decreased motivation, and a lack of commitment to work when needed are among the primary symptoms of stress in farmers (Kompier, 2007 ). Recorded symptoms of stress among farmers frequently include back pain, vomiting, stomach ache, and sleeplessness (Houdmont et al., 2017). Stress can significantly disrupt eating and sleeping patterns, and affected individuals may experience an increased tendency toward alcohol or drug use. Additional symptoms of stress among farmers are categorized as follows: Physical symptoms : Constant Headaches, Stomach problems, Rising blood pressure and speedily beating heart. Emotional/mental symptoms : Annoyance and vexation, Depression, Frustration, Difficulty controlling emotions and Low self-esteem Behavioral/Social symptoms : Substance abuse and addiction, Trouble adapting to changing circumstances (i.e. changing price of farm products, government policies, etc), Difficulty in relaxing or to sleep, Communication problems, Oral and or physical abuse of children or relatives and Pointless arguments. Rural Development The definition of rural development has been articulated in various ways by different scholars, encompassing multiple dimensions. Consequently, there is no single universally accepted definition of the term. In essence, rural development can be characterized as the enhancement and improvement of living conditions and well-being within rural communities. According to Schumacher (1983), rural development involves developing the skills of rural dwellers to make them self-sufficient through orientation, providing them with relevant knowledge on how to achieve self-help. Mabogunje ( 1991 ) perceives rural development as the enhancement of living conditions for the lower-income rural population in self-supporting areas through the transformation of productive activities. Importantly, the term implies a broad-based restructuring and mobilization of rural people and resources to improve the social and economic capabilities of the rural population. It is crucial to emphasize that the term 'rural' refers to regions or areas characterized by small size, low population density, cultural simplicity, and where the primary economic activity is mainly farming. Areas considered rural typically consist of settlements ranging from 100 to about 200 households (Mundi 2009). Additionally, it denotes remote or far-flung areas located far away from the central government and lacking social amenities that are commonly enjoyed in urban centers. Rural sociologists primarily focus on farmers, studying their ways of making a living and other occupations that influence their lives since farming is the predominant occupation in rural areas (Sainath, 2007). Moreover, Ndukwe (2005) identified some of the basic features of rural life as follows: Smallness in size: Rural localities are, by many measures, smaller in size than urban districts. Size is indicated here as areas geographically occupied rather than the total area of land obtainable and available for use. Intimate relationships: Rural people have distinct cultural values like legends, historical proverbs, folklores, and fashion rooted in their social interaction. In essence, rural societies attach a high value to cultural phenomena. Agriculture is the main occupation: Agriculture remains the basic and primary occupation in rural localities. This can be attributed to the closeness to nature and the vast usable and fertile land available. Rural localities are characterized by numerous economic engagements and activities ranging from art, weaving, petty trading, and other small-scale businesses. Homogeneity of population: Rural localities are mainly characterized by a population with almost identical features, unlike in urban centers where there is a relatively heterogeneous population consisting of people with diverse backgrounds, objectives, and aims. High social solidarity: There is collectivity in decision-making and policy formulation regarding the development of their communities. Also, in terms of responsibilities, rural communities jointly share tasks to be performed, and the issue of isolation is relatively minimal compared to urban centers. Stress among Farmers and Rural Development Farming is unarguably a demanding and complex way of living that in fact creates stressful or traumatic life conditions among farmers in rural localities. Stress adds enormously not only to numerous life stresses, but has a great impact on health, fitness and thus, on the quality of farm life farmers normally experience. (Pollock, et al., 2002 ). There is a direct linkage between stress among farmers and agricultural output. Simply put, when farmers are exposed to stress, this will directly affect the agricultural production, resulting to low amount of output (Sainath, 2007). The farm activities that involve land clearing, fertilizing, grading, ditching, tilling, fencing, plowing, planting, cultivating among others can be very stressful and when there is shortage of labour cumulating with bad weather condition, there will low agricultural output which can affect rural development. Farmers in rural areas can influence rural development in many ways and this can be expressed below: Farmers in rural areas enable access to nutritive and relatively nourishing foods for their communities they operate in; They act as the epicenter of a prosperous regional and national food system, They support farm and food based businesses; They serve as a gathering community place, increasing healthy food access for their localities and protecting farmland and the natural environment. It should be expressed that stress among farmers is likely to influence the level of agricultural outputs, this is because when farmers experience stress related problems, they are likely to encounter fatigue which will impede their ability to engage in farm activities. Stress Management among Farmers There is a pervasive and frequent occurrence of stress among farmers, which urgently demands the development of adequate and viable programs and policies for stress management (Altmaier, 1983 ). Okaka and Okosun ( 2009 ) define stress management as skills, policies, techniques, and strategies put in place to assess and check the level of stress among individuals. To them, stress management starts by recognizing the main sources of stress. In the view of Fisher ( 1994 ), approaches to managing and coping with stress can be classified into two. The first approach is 'problem-focused coping,' which entails recognizing and distinguishing sources of difficulties for farmers in the hope of providing lasting remedies to these difficulties if possible. With this model, farmers can adequately control the menace of stress. Also, farmers can try as much as possible to reduce their workload by investigating what is required for a successful agricultural process. Using the first approach, farmers can be educated and edified using stress-based programs and training that can relatively help sensitize farmers to ways of coping, handling, and dealing with stress. The second approach devised by Fisher ( 1994 ) is emotion-focused coping. This approach is mostly applicable when stress-related hindrances become very serious. Fisher ( 1994 ) argues that activities like physical exercise and relaxation can greatly help reduce stress among farmers. Melinda et al. (2009) conceived four basic methods of successfully managing unfavorable stressful circumstances, and these methods can be used to viably manage stress among farmers. These methods include Avoid the stressor; Alter the stressor; Adapt to the stressor; and accept the stressor. To avoid the stressor, Melinda et al. (2009) posit that farmers must try to know their limits and act accordingly by avoiding people or circumstances that may trigger stressful situations. Also, they should try to control their environment and analyze their responsibilities, schedules, and daily tasks. For stressors that cannot be avoided, Melinda et al. (2009) propose that another practical management decision is to try altering the stress situation or stressor. Also, if the stressor cannot be effectively altered, the best solution is to adapt to such stressor. For instance, since poor weather conditions are a natural phenomenon and cannot be easily altered, the best way is for farmers to adapt to regain a sense of control. Farmers in rural communities can essentially gain a sense of control when they change their expectations, ideas, standards, and behavior about a particular farming issue. Okaka and Okosun ( 2009 ) argue that stress factors can neither be changed nor avoided. For example, the demise of a loved person, illness, disaster, among other stress problems cannot be changed or avoided. In this situation, the best thing to do is to accept one's fate to manage stress effectively. Segal et al. (2015) highlighted ways in which stress among farmers can be managed. They include the following: Taking care of oneself (eating healthy meals regularly, having enough sleep and rest) Adequate relaxation and physical exercise Collective assistance and hiring more workers on the farmland Having a cordial and better relationship with family and relatives Utilizing soft loans and credit facilities Stress management among farmers and rural development Stress can be a very serious issue for farmers if not properly managed, and this can affect rural development in Nigeria. Although Nigeria has largely directed its economic attention to the oil sector, the nation is still predominantly dominated by the agricultural sector. According to Nations Encyclopedia (2017), more than 65% of the population still practices agriculture at a subsistent level, and the sector contributed to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product by 41% as of 2010. Since the agricultural sector is a very substantial part of the economy, farmers' well-being and comfort should be addressed to achieve considerable rural development. Managing stress among farmers is one of the important ways to increase agricultural output, which will, in turn, improve rural development. When stress is successfully managed, farmers will have control over their agricultural activities, implying the ability to improve farm output. Also, when farm output is improved, there will be a relatively greater potential for rural development, as agriculture is the main source of revenue for rural communities. Theoretical Framework Robert Karasek (1979) introduced a stress model in an attempt to explain how workplace stress can be detrimental and hinder productivity. The general assumption of the model is that excessive work demands can lead to mental strain and even breakdowns. It should be noted that when individuals can no longer control or manage their work activities, it may result in stress, frustration, and discouragement. This theory also emphasizes that both work demands and work control determine the level of development and productivity and should not be unbalanced or unregulated. For instance, an individual with complete control over work may feel relaxed and uninterested in work demands. Work demands, considered stressors, can be generated in various ways, such as the pressure to work faster to meet external demands, the fear of supply deterioration, concerns about poor weather conditions (common in farming society), and the need to satisfy family needs, especially with low income. According to this model, when work control and work demands are not properly managed, it leads to psychological and physical strain. A worker experiencing strain is likely to face mental and physical challenges like depression, anxiety, loss of focus, tiredness, inability to concentrate, unpleasant behavior toward family and relatives, and, in some cases, suicide or suicide attempts. An important point drawn from this model is that an individual's control over work demand and work control is significant. Applying this model to the study, farming emerges as a stressful occupation requiring enormous physical and mental energy. Work demands in farming may involve coping with unstable weather conditions, securing enough help for farm work, managing demand and supply of farm outputs, acquiring better storage facilities, handling transportation activities, and responding to family's financial and social needs – all of which can be very stressful. Work control, therefore, depends on an individual farmer's ability to cope with and manage these demands. When the burdens and challenges of farming become overwhelming with low work control, it may lead to frustration and result in stress. This, in turn, can affect the farmer's input, ultimately impacting the output of the farm. When there are lapses in the input of the individual farmer, efficiency and effectiveness are absent, resulting in poor farm output. Low farm productivity leads to underdevelopment, affecting the income of the farmer, the agricultural sector, and the nation as a whole. Therefore, if not properly managed, uncontrolled work can lead to physical and psychological stress. Methodology This study was conducted in selected communities across three local government areas (LGAs) in Kwara State, Nigeria. The chosen LGAs are Asa, Moro, and Ifelodun. Asa LGA has its administrative headquarters situated in Afon, with a projected population of around 126,000 based on the 2006 census and an area of approximately 1,200 km2. Asa LGA comprises three regions: Afon, Onire, and Owode. Moro LGA, with its administrative headquarters in Bode-Saadua, covers districts such as Moro, Akara, Ajanaku, Arobadi, Babadubu, Bode-Saadu, and others. Its estimated population in 2006 was around 110,700, covering an area of 3,272 km2. Lastly, Ifelodun LGA, with its administrative headquarters in Share town, has an area of 3,435 km2 and a population of 206,042 according to the 2006 census. The survey research method was employed for this study, utilizing well-structured questionnaires for data collection. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. The first stage involved the purposive sampling of the mentioned LGAs due to their significant involvement in farming compared to other LGAs in Kwara State. In the second stage, purposive sampling was again employed to select three farming-inclined communities from each LGA. The third stage involved the selection of forty (40) respondents as samples from each community, totaling three hundred and sixty (360) respondents overall. Regression statistical tool was adopted to test hypotheses through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results of Findings Table 1 Socio - Demographic characteristics of the respondents Demographics Characteristics Frequencies Percentage (%) Gender Male Female Total 294 66 360 81.7 18.3 100.0 Age 20–30 31–40 41–50 51–60 61 and above Total 37 89 191 23 20 360 10.3 24.7 53.1 6.4 5.6 100.0 Religion Christianity Islam Traditional Total 52 303 5 360 14.4 84.2 1.4 100.0 Marital Status Married Single Divorced Widowed Total 327 9 12 12 360 90.8 2.5 3.3 3.3 100.0 Academic Qualification NCE/OND HND/B.Sc. and above Secondary School Certificate and below No Formal Education Total 32 18 265 45 360 8.9 5.0 73.6 12.5 100.0 Research fieldwork (2022) Test of Hypothesis There is no significant relationship between stress management techniques among farmers and rural development Table 2 Multiple Regression of Relationship between Farmers’ Stress Management Techniques and Rural Development Model Unstandardized Coefficients Standardized Coefficients t Sig. B Std. Error Beta (Constant) 1.644 .143 11.499 .000 Planning ahead .254 .051 .257 4.969 .000 Adapting to the stressor − .267 .054 − .255 -4.924 .000 Frequent medical check-ups .015 .050 .016 .312 .755 Dependent Variable: Farm output. Standard Error of Estimate: 0.906 R: .320 a R Square: .102 Adjusted R Square: .095 Researcher’s Computation (2022) Discussion Respondents’ Socio-demographic Characteristics able 1 illustrates the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. The gender distribution indicates that the majority of the respondents are male, constituting 81.7% (294), while the remaining 18.3% (97) are female. In terms of age, 10.3% (37) fall between 20 and 30 years old, 24.7% (89) are between 31 and 40 years old, 53.1% (191) are within the 41 to 50 years age bracket, 6.4% (23) are between 51 and 60 years old, and the remaining 5.6% (20) are 61 years and above. The majority of respondents identify as Muslims, with 84.2% (303) choosing Islam, 14.4% (52) selecting Christianity, and the remaining 1.4% (5) adhering to traditional religions. Regarding marital status, 90.8% (327) are married, 2.5% (9) are single, 3.3% (12) are divorced, and 3.3% (12) are widowed. Lastly, academic qualifications show that 8.9% (32) have NCE/OND certificates, 5.0% (18) have obtained HND/B.Sc. and above, 73.6% (265) have Secondary School Certificates and below, and 12.5% (45) have no formal education. A pie chart (Fig. 1 ) was used to visually represent the various causes of stress, ranking them according to the responses of the participants. Long work hours are the most common cause of stress, accounting for 24% of the total. This suggests that excessive workloads and time pressures are significant contributors to stress levels. Family challenges and a lack of modern tools are tied as the second most common causes of stress, each accounting for 17% of the total. This highlights the impact of both personal and professional factors on stress. Financial incapability and rapid changes in commodity prices are also notable causes of stress, accounting for 15% and 12%, respectively. These factors reflect economic concerns and uncertainty. Lack of adequate infrastructure is the least common cause of stress, accounting for only 12% of the total. This suggests that infrastructure may be a relatively less significant factor compared to others. A hypothesis was tested in the course of the study. This was to test whether there is a high level of relationship between stress among farmers and rural development in the study setting. The regression analysis was employed to test the extent of the relationship between the variables. The result of this analysis in Table 2 shows that an increase in planning ahead of schedule will lead to an increase in the farm output of the farmers. The positive coefficient (0.254) for planning ahead signifies a significant and positive relationship with farm output. Farmers who engage in proactive planning tend to experience higher agricultural productivity. This aligns with the intuitive expectation that thoughtful and strategic planning contributes to more efficient farming practices, resource allocation, and overall improved farm output. Conversely, adapting to the stressor shows a negative coefficient (-0.267), indicating a significant negative impact on farm output. This suggests that, while adaptability is generally a valuable trait, excessive adaptation to stressors may adversely affect agricultural productivity. It's crucial for farmers to strike a balance between adaptability and maintaining stable, well-established farming practices. Surprisingly, frequent medical check-ups exhibit a non-significant impact on farm output, as indicated by the high p-value (0.755). This result implies that investing time in health check-ups might not be directly related to the immediate farm productivity of the participants in this study. Further investigation into the specific health-related aspects and their influence on farming practices could offer additional insights. The overall model explains 10.2% of the variance in farm output, indicating that the included stress management techniques capture a modest portion of the factors influencing agricultural productivity. The positive R-square value suggests that the model is better than a simple mean-based prediction. Understanding the impact of stress management techniques on farm output is crucial for rural development.. Conclusion The primary objective of this study was to conduct a sociological analysis to determine whether a relationship exists between the stress experienced by farmers and rural development. The findings reveal that the major causes of stress among farmers in selected communities in Kwara state are the lack of modern farming tools and financial incapability. These factors significantly contribute to the stress experienced by farmers in the region. When a farmer lacks modern tools, the efficiency and speed of work are compromised, leading to reduced productivity. This decrease in productivity can result in economic challenges for the community, as the limited supply of food and agricultural products affects overall availability. Financial incapability exacerbates this issue, as low-income farmers cannot afford sophisticated equipment that would enhance efficiency and output. These combined challenges contribute to the overall stress experienced by farmers in rural areas. Furthermore, the study's analysis of hypotheses suggests that meticulous planning of farm activities positively correlates with increased farm output, thereby improving community food supply. In a country where food insufficiency is a prevalent challenge, managing stress through effective planning could play a crucial role in mitigating this issue. The study also concludes that adapting to stress factors beyond the farmer's control can help reduce stress and increase farm output. For instance, adapting to a lack of rainfall, an external factor, by finding alternative means of irrigation can positively impact farm productivity. However, the study finds that regular medical check-ups do not significantly affect the dependent variable (farm output). Therefore, the farm output remains consistent regardless of the farmer's adherence to regular check-ups. In essence, the findings suggest that effective stress management strategies can enhance the efficiency and productivity of farmers, resulting in increased farm output—an essential component of rural development. Improved farm output translates into increased income for farmers, enabling them to invest in various sectors of rural areas and expediting the overall process of rural development. The study underscores the importance of implementing recommended stress management strategies to alleviate stress among farmers in these rural communities. Recommendation Farming is an inherently stressful and demanding occupation. Various factors, notably political changes, global market fluctuations, new legislations and regulations, and environmental conditions, contribute to the elevated stress levels experienced by farmers. To cope effectively with these stressors, farmers should be equipped with new mechanisms and approaches. Despite some government efforts to alleviate the financial challenges faced by farmers, they continue to encounter financial problems. The following recommendations can be proposed: Promulgation of Awareness on Government Assistance: Extensive awareness campaigns should be conducted to disseminate information about government assistance fairly among farmers in rural communities. Many farmers lack access to modern tools that could facilitate and expedite their farming activities. Government assistance programs exist, but farmers often remain unaware of them or lack the prerequisites to access these resources. Emphasis on Adequate Preparation and Planning: Farmers should ensure thorough preparation and planning for their daily farming activities. Inadequate planning can lead to work overload, resulting in stress for the farmer. Therefore, managing stress by planning ahead of time is recommended in this study. Adaptation to Uncontrollable Factors: Certain factors beyond the farmer's control, such as climatic conditions and consumer preferences, can induce stress. The study recommends that farmers should make efforts to reduce stress by adapting to these uncontrollable factors. Adaptation may involve finding alternative approaches to address these challenges. Educational Initiatives by Government Extension Workers: Government extension workers should collaborate with and educate farmers in rural communities on effective stress management strategies for farm activities. Providing guidance and information can empower farmers to manage their activities with minimal stress. Implementing these recommendations can contribute to reducing stress levels among farmers, promoting overall well-being, and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural activities in rural communities. Declarations Declarations Ethics Approval Statement and consent to participate The research obtained official approval from the Research Ethics Committee within the Department of Sociology at the University of Ilorin. All procedures carried out during the study strictly adhered to the relevant guidelines and regulations. The data collection instrument underwent a comprehensive evaluation by the same Research Ethics Committee at the University of Ilorin, Department of Sociology, resulting in the approval for the commencement of data collection. To ensure ethical practices, the researcher obtained verbal consent from the respondents for their voluntary participation in the study. The researcher assured respondents that only the study assistants involved in data collection would have access to the questionnaires, and confidentiality would be maintained. Additionally, participants were informed that neither the management nor anyone else would be able to identify them as the respondents. Consent for publication Not applicable Availability of data and materials All data generated and analyzed for the manuscript are available upon request. Competing interests The author affirms that there are no possible conflicts of interest concerning the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Funding The author did not receive any financial backing for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Authors' contributions Not applicable Acknowledgements Not applicable Authors information Sunkanmi Folorunsho holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, and he is currently enrolled in the MA program in Sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research interests encompass a range of critical societal issues. Firstly, He is interested in exploring the intersection between violent victimization and health outcomes, with a specific focus on adolescents and older adults. Additionally, He is dedicated to investigating socioeconomic inequalities and their profound impact on health and overall well -being. Equally compelling to me are the inequalities within education and position social dimensions of STEM fields. These areas collectively drive my academic pursuits and underscore my commitment to making meaningful contributions to sociological research and discourse . References Altmaier, E. M. (1983). Helping students manage stress. San Francisco: Jossey-Boss Inc Abass, I. M (2007). The Challenge of Rural Development Strategies In a Deregulated Economy. Being a paper prepared for a National Seminar on Rural Development “ Doing more less Developing Rural Resources in a Deregulated economy” organized by New Nigerian Newspapers Limited in collaboration with Arthur Green Consultants held at Shiroro Hotel Minna, Niger State. A.S. Ramesh and C. Madhavi (2009). Occupational Stress Among Farming People. The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2009, vol. 4, no 3 Baker, B.L (2002). Behaviour problems and parenting stress in families of three-year-old children with and without developmental delays . National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine . Am J Ment Retard. 2002 Nov;107(6):433-44.PMID: 12323068 Chandraiah, K.; Agrawal, S.; Marimuthu, P.; Manoharan, N. (2003). Job satisfaction among managers, Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 7(2). CIPD (2008), Building the business case for managing stress in the workplace. Stress management. Available via : <http://www.cipd.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/F5B27EA2-1A75-4C26 91401C9242F 7A9C6/0/4654StressmanagementWEB . Climat Mundi (2009). Eritrea efficient wood stoves. At http://www.climatmundi.fr/lng_EN_srub_7-Projects.html (accessed on 14 April 2010). Cropanzano, R., Howes, J., Grandy, A., & Toth, P. (1997). The Relationship of Organizational Politics and Support to Organizational behaviours, Attitudes and Stress. Journal of Organizational Behavior , 159-180. Fisher, S. (1994). Stress in Academic Life. Buckingham: Open University Press. Kompier, M.A.J., Marcelissen (2007), F.H.G., Handbook of Work Stress: A systematic approach for organizational practice, Amsterdam: 2007 Mabogunje, A.L. (1991). The development process: A spatial perspective. London; Hutchinson & co. [publishers] Ltd Melinda, S., Ellen, J.G., Jeanne, S., & Robert, S. (2008). Preventing Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Coping Strategies. Retrieved on 28th May 2015. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnout_signs_symptoms.htm Michie, S. (2002) Causes and Management of Stress at Work. An international peer-reviewed journal in all aspects of occupational & environmental medicine. 59 (1) 67-72. Moseley, Malcolm J. (2003). Rural development : principles and practice (1. publ. ed.). London [u.a.]: SAGE. p. 5. ISBN 978-0-7619-4766-0 N. T. Meludu and O. M. Bajowa (2008): Gender and Stress Coping Strategies of Poultry and Cassava Farmers in Nigeria. Journal of Human Ecology , ISSN09709274 Okaka, O.R., & Okosun, J. (2009).The Causes, Effect and Management of Stress in Low Income Families. Journal of Curriculum Studies and Instruction, 4, 50 - 59. Okumadewa, F. (1997). Poverty and Income in Nigeria: Measurements and Strategies for Reform. A paper presented at the Vision 2010 Workshop, Abuja . Oyewunmi, A. E.; Oyewunmi, O. A.; Iyiola, O. O.; Ojo, A. Y. (2015). Mental health and the Nigerian workplace: fallacies, facts and the way forward, International Journal of Psychology and Counselling 7(7): 106–111. http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/IJPC2015.0317 Pinder, C. C. (2008). Work motivation in organizational behavior. New York: Psychology Press. Pollock, L., Deaville, J., Gilman, A., & Willock, J. (2002). A Preliminary Study into Stress in Welsh Farmers. Journal of Mental Health , 11(2), 213­-221. Ramesh, A. and Madhavi, C., (2009). Occupational stress among farming people. Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka, 4(3), pp.115–125. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jas.v4i3.1650Cox T. Organizational culture, stress, and stress management. Work Stress. 1991;5(1):1–4. Rao V S P (2005) Second Edition, Human Resource Management - Text & Case, Chapter 29: Job stress, Counseling and Monitoring, pp. 643 – 676. Read N, ed (2011). Rural stress: positive action in partnership. Report of a conference held on 21st March 1994 at the National Agricultural Centre Stoneleigh Park. Stoneleigh, Warwickshire: Royal Agricultural Society of England, 1994 Spector, P. E. (2008). Industrial and organizational behavior. Hoboken, NJ, Wiley. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1559­1816.2008.00296.x Stansfeld S, Candy B. Psychosocial work environment and mental health—a meta-analytic review. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health . 2006;32 (6):443–462. [PubMed] Steve, Williams, (2011), managing workplace stress: a best practice blueprint, Volume 1of Fast track series , Publisher Wiley, Original from Cornell University , 78-84 Tennant, C. (2001). Work-related Stress and Depressive Disorders. Journal of Psychosomatic research , 51 (3) 697-704. Vieet, V. S. (2011). Stress: coping mechanisms in the workplace [online], [cited 10 October 2013]. Available at: http://www.sans.edu/research/leadership­laboratory/article/ stress­mgt­essay Weiss, T. W. (2012). Workplace stress: symptoms and solution [online], [cited 10 October 2013]. Available at: http://www.sans.edu/research/leadership­laboratory/article/ stress­mgt­essay. Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3833658","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Systematic Review","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":265130520,"identity":"3221b3d3-f4fd-4519-81cc-222eb4806e9f","order_by":0,"name":"Sunkanmi Folorunsho","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABE0lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYHACZhDBw8CQAKQqbOT4QdyEAqK1nEkzlmwAaTEgrIUBrIWx7XDihgMgDh4t8jNyDxv83LFNhr89+enGH0BbjM+vTvzwwIBBnl/sAFYtBjfykhN7z9zmkTjzzOw2D9AvZjfebpYAOsxw5uwE7FokcowP8Lbd5mG4kWB2G+QXsxtnN4C0JBjcxq5FfkaO8cG/QC3yN9K/3fwJ9MvmGWc3/8CnheFGjnEyyBaDGzlmN3hB3ufv3YbXFoMzb4yNZYFaDM+8KbvNA3SYxA3ebRYJBhI4/SLfnmMs+bbttr3c8fRtN3+AorL/7GYQQ55fGofDMIEEWKUEscpBgP8AKapHwSgYBaNgBAAAzCZpBtZhvh8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5471-7125","institution":"University of Nebraska-Lincoln","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sunkanmi","middleName":"","lastName":"Folorunsho","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-01-04 05:10:24","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":false,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"humanSubjectConsent":false,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833658/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833658/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":49239525,"identity":"3a22bd48-d25c-474f-9352-7b6e1d1f772b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-05 18:16:02","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":44481,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecauses of Stress\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3833658/v1/8a6f7093f2bb7a65e2952e5f.jpg"},{"id":49241211,"identity":"7b5c6baf-5c4d-42d9-ae83-528c9e3b1155","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-05 18:24:03","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":462570,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3833658/v1/18d2344d-8db6-4ad9-932f-99ae910ac17d.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSociological Analysis of Stress Management among Farmers and Rural Development In Selected Communities in Kwara State\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eStress can be perceived as a state of mental depression, illness, and worry triggered by the inability to cope with work demands, social functions, and responsibilities. Farming is undeniably one of the most challenging and arduous professions, carrying a higher possibility of leading to stress and stress-related conditions. In rural communities, farmers often live where they work, with their spouses and/or other family members acting as their work assistants (Meludu and Bajowa, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). Farmers, in most cases, manage their own operations, feeling responsible for numerous issues over which they have little or no control. Various challenges, such as poor family relationships, financial problems, price and marketing fluctuations, farm-to-market transfer issues, production and harvesting challenges, storage and weather difficulties, and social pressures, pose significant stress sources for farmers in rural areas and their family members. Concerns about stress faced by farmers have been growing in recent years (Read, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite dedicating considerable time to agricultural activities, farmers often neglect their own health, social, and mental well-being. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control (2016), farmers, forestry workers, and fishermen are at the top of the suicide record, with 85 per 100,000 individuals every year. This alarming trend has distressing effects on rural development and even urban centers, given the crucial role of farming in these communities and its impact on overall agricultural production.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeveral factors predispose farmers to stress, including financial problems, fluctuating product prices, growing expenditures, excessive debt, irregular cash flow, and insufficient capital for basic agricultural activities. Additionally, unfavorable weather conditions and excessive workloads contribute to stress. Agriculture holds paramount importance in the Nigerian economy, generating employment, contributing significantly to the GDP, providing food, raw materials, foreign exchange earnings, and supporting the industrial sector (World Bank, 1998; Okumadewa, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1997\u003c/span\u003e). The sector has a strong link to rural communities, and the well-being of farmers demands urgent attention. Stress, a fundamental challenge facing farmers in rural Nigeria, can adversely affect agricultural productivity, particularly in food crops (Michie, 2001). Given that 65% of Nigeria's total population resides in rural areas where agriculture is the predominant occupation, addressing stress among farmers becomes crucial for rural development (Federal Bureau of Statistics, 2017).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRural development is a global phenomenon, impacting both advanced and developing nations (Abass, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Government policies often influence rural communities, and since farming is the predominant occupation in these areas and a key driver of rural development, addressing farmers' stress becomes essential for maximizing productivity and output.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProblem Statement\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarmers in rural areas often grapple with a multitude of challenges, including financial stress, poor harvests, crop damages, inadequate budgeting, uncertain climate changes, disparaging government policies, and long working hours. The interplay of social demands and economic burdens exerts unprecedented pressure on these farmers. The inherent nature of farm work, as pointed out by Sainath (2007), limits farmers' control over various aspects of their lives, such as decisions regarding weather, agricultural product prices, equipment, and targeted markets. This lack of control renders farmers susceptible to stress, particularly related to physical, behavioral, and emotional issues (Rao, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e). Developing nations like Nigeria face a higher share of stress-related problems among farmers due to insufficient capital assistance from the government and strong social demands intertwined with traditional social engagements inherent in the African social system.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe pressure to handle responsibilities and issues concerning relatives and families, coupled with difficulties in securing an adequate workforce for farmlands, serves as significant sources of stress. Disagreements within the family, with relatives, and the perceived lack of importance within the family or community can further contribute to stress among farmers in rural communities. Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, providing raw materials for local industries and international trade, and extending its influence to the non-farm economy. Consequently, farmers' well-being significantly impacts rural development in both rural areas and urban centers, making the agricultural sector pivotal to the overall GDP of Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing the paramount importance of reducing stress among farm families, this study adopts a sociological approach to assess how stress affects farmers in rural communities. While acknowledging existing literature on the subject, this work uniquely explores the social perspective of the stresses farmers endure, their stress management strategies, and the resulting impact on rural development in Nigeria. The study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the subject matter. It outlines three primary objectives:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo highlight the causes of stress among farmers in rural areas.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo examine stress management strategies employed by farmers in rural areas.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo understand the relationship between stress management techniques and rural development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Literature Review","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eStressors among farmers\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLife for local farmers can be challenging, especially as they strive to provide for their families and sustain their farms or related businesses. According to Ramesh and Madhavi (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e), the following factors contribute to stress among farmers:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEconomic Pressures:Financial incapability is a significant source of stress for farmers in local areas. Many farmers lack the necessary financial resources, exposing them to various threats. Additionally, low product prices, rising expenditures, high debts, and poor cash flow can induce stress among farmers, impacting rural development and overall food supply.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eClimatic Conditions: While this form of stress is natural, local farmers regularly contend with the variability of weather. They must adapt to encourage better agricultural output while navigating the pressures inherent in farming as a profession.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOverwork or Long Hours: Overworking, common in the farming system, can lead to physical and emotional strain. Activities such as land clearing, fertilizing, grading, ditching, contouring, tilling, fencing, plowing, planting, cultivating, weed and pest control, spraying, trimming, harvesting, pruning, constructing farms and stock ponds, and irrigation ditches demand extensive hours of labor.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStress from People: This stress may arise from disagreements with relatives or laborers, insufficient workers for the farmland, conflicts with partners or children, inadequate time spent with one\u0026apos;s family, and a lack of recognition as a significant figure in one\u0026apos;s profession by others.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ol\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn addition to these four causes of stress, a shortage of labor is another significant source of stress among farmers. Labor demands fluctuate in virtually all agricultural areas, leading to a shortage when farmers cannot find enough workers to fill vacant positions. This shortage can result in stress and high costs of agricultural commodities and services, inhibiting agricultural output. Local farmers face challenges in recruiting, training, and retaining experts and laborers due to relatively poor payment and less attractive employment practices, making skilled jobs less appealing (Baker, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eSymptoms of Stress in farmers\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInability to concentrate on farm demands, decreased motivation, and a lack of commitment to work when needed are among the primary symptoms of stress in farmers (Kompier, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Recorded symptoms of stress among farmers frequently include back pain, vomiting, stomach ache, and sleeplessness (Houdmont et al., 2017). Stress can significantly disrupt eating and sleeping patterns, and affected individuals may experience an increased tendency toward alcohol or drug use. Additional symptoms of stress among farmers are categorized as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical symptoms\u003c/strong\u003e: Constant Headaches, Stomach problems, Rising blood pressure and speedily beating heart.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmotional/mental symptoms\u003c/strong\u003e: Annoyance and vexation, Depression, Frustration, Difficulty controlling emotions and Low self-esteem\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavioral/Social symptoms\u003c/strong\u003e: Substance abuse and addiction, Trouble adapting to changing circumstances (i.e. changing price of farm products, government policies, etc), Difficulty in relaxing or to sleep, Communication problems, Oral and or physical abuse of children or relatives and Pointless arguments.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eRural Development\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe definition of rural development has been articulated in various ways by different scholars, encompassing multiple dimensions. Consequently, there is no single universally accepted definition of the term. In essence, rural development can be characterized as the enhancement and improvement of living conditions and well-being within rural communities. According to Schumacher (1983), rural development involves developing the skills of rural dwellers to make them self-sufficient through orientation, providing them with relevant knowledge on how to achieve self-help. Mabogunje (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1991\u003c/span\u003e) perceives rural development as the enhancement of living conditions for the lower-income rural population in self-supporting areas through the transformation of productive activities. Importantly, the term implies a broad-based restructuring and mobilization of rural people and resources to improve the social and economic capabilities of the rural population.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIt is crucial to emphasize that the term \u0026apos;rural\u0026apos; refers to regions or areas characterized by small size, low population density, cultural simplicity, and where the primary economic activity is mainly farming. Areas considered rural typically consist of settlements ranging from 100 to about 200 households (Mundi 2009). Additionally, it denotes remote or far-flung areas located far away from the central government and lacking social amenities that are commonly enjoyed in urban centers. Rural sociologists primarily focus on farmers, studying their ways of making a living and other occupations that influence their lives since farming is the predominant occupation in rural areas (Sainath, 2007). Moreover, Ndukwe (2005) identified some of the basic features of rural life as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmallness in size: Rural localities are, by many measures, smaller in size than urban districts. Size is indicated here as areas geographically occupied rather than the total area of land obtainable and available for use.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIntimate relationships: Rural people have distinct cultural values like legends, historical proverbs, folklores, and fashion rooted in their social interaction. In essence, rural societies attach a high value to cultural phenomena.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAgriculture is the main occupation: Agriculture remains the basic and primary occupation in rural localities. This can be attributed to the closeness to nature and the vast usable and fertile land available. Rural localities are characterized by numerous economic engagements and activities ranging from art, weaving, petty trading, and other small-scale businesses.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHomogeneity of population: Rural localities are mainly characterized by a population with almost identical features, unlike in urban centers where there is a relatively heterogeneous population consisting of people with diverse backgrounds, objectives, and aims.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh social solidarity: There is collectivity in decision-making and policy formulation regarding the development of their communities. Also, in terms of responsibilities, rural communities jointly share tasks to be performed, and the issue of isolation is relatively minimal compared to urban centers.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eStress among Farmers and Rural Development\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFarming is unarguably a demanding and complex way of living that in fact creates stressful or traumatic life conditions among farmers in rural localities. Stress adds enormously not only to numerous life stresses, but has a great impact on health, fitness and thus, on the quality of farm life farmers normally experience. (Pollock, et al., \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). There is a direct linkage between stress among farmers and agricultural output. Simply put, when farmers are exposed to stress, this will directly affect the agricultural production, resulting to low amount of output (Sainath, 2007). The farm activities that involve land clearing, fertilizing, grading, ditching, tilling, fencing, plowing, planting, cultivating among others can be very stressful and when there is shortage of labour cumulating with bad weather condition, there will low agricultural output which can affect rural development. Farmers in rural areas can influence rural development in many ways and this can be expressed below:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFarmers in rural areas enable access to nutritive and relatively nourishing foods for their communities they operate in;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThey act as the epicenter of a prosperous regional and national food system, They support farm and food based businesses;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThey serve as a gathering community place, increasing healthy food access for their localities and protecting farmland and the natural environment.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIt should be expressed that stress among farmers is likely to influence the level of agricultural outputs, this is because when farmers experience stress related problems, they are likely to encounter fatigue which will impede their ability to engage in farm activities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eStress Management among Farmers\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThere is a pervasive and frequent occurrence of stress among farmers, which urgently demands the development of adequate and viable programs and policies for stress management (Altmaier, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1983\u003c/span\u003e). Okaka and Okosun (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) define stress management as skills, policies, techniques, and strategies put in place to assess and check the level of stress among individuals. To them, stress management starts by recognizing the main sources of stress. In the view of Fisher (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e), approaches to managing and coping with stress can be classified into two. The first approach is \u0026apos;problem-focused coping,\u0026apos; which entails recognizing and distinguishing sources of difficulties for farmers in the hope of providing lasting remedies to these difficulties if possible. With this model, farmers can adequately control the menace of stress. Also, farmers can try as much as possible to reduce their workload by investigating what is required for a successful agricultural process. Using the first approach, farmers can be educated and edified using stress-based programs and training that can relatively help sensitize farmers to ways of coping, handling, and dealing with stress.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe second approach devised by Fisher (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e) is emotion-focused coping. This approach is mostly applicable when stress-related hindrances become very serious. Fisher (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e) argues that activities like physical exercise and relaxation can greatly help reduce stress among farmers. Melinda et al. (2009) conceived four basic methods of successfully managing unfavorable stressful circumstances, and these methods can be used to viably manage stress among farmers. These methods include Avoid the stressor; Alter the stressor; Adapt to the stressor; and accept the stressor. To avoid the stressor, Melinda et al. (2009) posit that farmers must try to know their limits and act accordingly by avoiding people or circumstances that may trigger stressful situations. Also, they should try to control their environment and analyze their responsibilities, schedules, and daily tasks.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFor stressors that cannot be avoided, Melinda et al. (2009) propose that another practical management decision is to try altering the stress situation or stressor. Also, if the stressor cannot be effectively altered, the best solution is to adapt to such stressor. For instance, since poor weather conditions are a natural phenomenon and cannot be easily altered, the best way is for farmers to adapt to regain a sense of control. Farmers in rural communities can essentially gain a sense of control when they change their expectations, ideas, standards, and behavior about a particular farming issue. Okaka and Okosun (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) argue that stress factors can neither be changed nor avoided. For example, the demise of a loved person, illness, disaster, among other stress problems cannot be changed or avoided. In this situation, the best thing to do is to accept one\u0026apos;s fate to manage stress effectively. Segal et al. (2015) highlighted ways in which stress among farmers can be managed. They include the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTaking care of oneself (eating healthy meals regularly, having enough sleep and rest)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAdequate relaxation and physical exercise\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCollective assistance and hiring more workers on the farmland\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHaving a cordial and better relationship with family and relatives\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUtilizing soft loans and credit facilities\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eStress management among farmers and rural development\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStress can be a very serious issue for farmers if not properly managed, and this can affect rural development in Nigeria. Although Nigeria has largely directed its economic attention to the oil sector, the nation is still predominantly dominated by the agricultural sector. According to Nations Encyclopedia (2017), more than 65% of the population still practices agriculture at a subsistent level, and the sector contributed to Nigeria\u0026apos;s Gross Domestic Product by 41% as of 2010. Since the agricultural sector is a very substantial part of the economy, farmers\u0026apos; well-being and comfort should be addressed to achieve considerable rural development. Managing stress among farmers is one of the important ways to increase agricultural output, which will, in turn, improve rural development. When stress is successfully managed, farmers will have control over their agricultural activities, implying the ability to improve farm output. Also, when farm output is improved, there will be a relatively greater potential for rural development, as agriculture is the main source of revenue for rural communities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eTheoretical Framework\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRobert Karasek (1979) introduced a stress model in an attempt to explain how workplace stress can be detrimental and hinder productivity. The general assumption of the model is that excessive work demands can lead to mental strain and even breakdowns. It should be noted that when individuals can no longer control or manage their work activities, it may result in stress, frustration, and discouragement. This theory also emphasizes that both work demands and work control determine the level of development and productivity and should not be unbalanced or unregulated. For instance, an individual with complete control over work may feel relaxed and uninterested in work demands.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWork demands, considered stressors, can be generated in various ways, such as the pressure to work faster to meet external demands, the fear of supply deterioration, concerns about poor weather conditions (common in farming society), and the need to satisfy family needs, especially with low income. According to this model, when work control and work demands are not properly managed, it leads to psychological and physical strain. A worker experiencing strain is likely to face mental and physical challenges like depression, anxiety, loss of focus, tiredness, inability to concentrate, unpleasant behavior toward family and relatives, and, in some cases, suicide or suicide attempts.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAn important point drawn from this model is that an individual\u0026apos;s control over work demand and work control is significant. Applying this model to the study, farming emerges as a stressful occupation requiring enormous physical and mental energy. Work demands in farming may involve coping with unstable weather conditions, securing enough help for farm work, managing demand and supply of farm outputs, acquiring better storage facilities, handling transportation activities, and responding to family\u0026apos;s financial and social needs \u0026ndash; all of which can be very stressful. Work control, therefore, depends on an individual farmer\u0026apos;s ability to cope with and manage these demands. When the burdens and challenges of farming become overwhelming with low work control, it may lead to frustration and result in stress. This, in turn, can affect the farmer\u0026apos;s input, ultimately impacting the output of the farm. When there are lapses in the input of the individual farmer, efficiency and effectiveness are absent, resulting in poor farm output. Low farm productivity leads to underdevelopment, affecting the income of the farmer, the agricultural sector, and the nation as a whole. Therefore, if not properly managed, uncontrolled work can lead to physical and psychological stress.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study was conducted in selected communities across three local government areas (LGAs) in Kwara State, Nigeria. The chosen LGAs are Asa, Moro, and Ifelodun. Asa LGA has its administrative headquarters situated in Afon, with a projected population of around 126,000 based on the 2006 census and an area of approximately 1,200 km2. Asa LGA comprises three regions: Afon, Onire, and Owode. Moro LGA, with its administrative headquarters in Bode-Saadua, covers districts such as Moro, Akara, Ajanaku, Arobadi, Babadubu, Bode-Saadu, and others. Its estimated population in 2006 was around 110,700, covering an area of 3,272 km2. Lastly, Ifelodun LGA, with its administrative headquarters in Share town, has an area of 3,435 km2 and a population of 206,042 according to the 2006 census.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe survey research method was employed for this study, utilizing well-structured questionnaires for data collection. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. The first stage involved the purposive sampling of the mentioned LGAs due to their significant involvement in farming compared to other LGAs in Kwara State. In the second stage, purposive sampling was again employed to select three farming-inclined communities from each LGA. The third stage involved the selection of forty (40) respondents as samples from each community, totaling three hundred and sixty (360) respondents overall. Regression statistical tool was adopted to test hypotheses through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results of Findings","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSocio - Demographic characteristics of the respondents\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDemographics Characteristics\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrequencies\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e294\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e66\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e360\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e81.7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18.3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100.0\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e31\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e41\u0026ndash;50\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e51\u0026ndash;60\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e61 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e191\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e360\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10.3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24.7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e53.1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100.0\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReligion\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristianity\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e303\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e360\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14.4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e84.2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100.0\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarital Status\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e327\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e360\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e90.8\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100.0\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademic Qualification\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNCE/OND\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHND/B.Sc. and above\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecondary School Certificate and below\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo Formal Education\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e265\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e360\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8.9\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.0\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e73.6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12.5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100.0\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eResearch fieldwork (2022)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTest of Hypothesis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no significant relationship between stress management techniques among farmers and rural development\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple Regression of Relationship between Farmers\u0026rsquo; Stress Management Techniques and Rural Development\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnstandardized Coefficients\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStandardized Coefficients\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003et\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSig.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eB\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStd. Error\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeta\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Constant)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.644\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.143\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11.499\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanning ahead\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.254\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.051\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.257\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.969\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdapting to the stressor\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.267\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.054\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.255\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-4.924\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrequent medical check-ups\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.050\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.016\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.312\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.755\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"6\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDependent Variable: Farm output. Standard Error of Estimate: 0.906 R: .320\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e R Square: .102\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjusted R Square: .095\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctfoot\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eResearcher\u0026rsquo;s Computation (2022)\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tfoot\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRespondents\u0026rsquo; Socio-demographic Characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eable 1 illustrates the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. The gender distribution indicates that the majority of the respondents are male, constituting 81.7% (294), while the remaining 18.3% (97) are female. In terms of age, 10.3% (37) fall between 20 and 30 years old, 24.7% (89) are between 31 and 40 years old, 53.1% (191) are within the 41 to 50 years age bracket, 6.4% (23) are between 51 and 60 years old, and the remaining 5.6% (20) are 61 years and above. The majority of respondents identify as Muslims, with 84.2% (303) choosing Islam, 14.4% (52) selecting Christianity, and the remaining 1.4% (5) adhering to traditional religions. Regarding marital status, 90.8% (327) are married, 2.5% (9) are single, 3.3% (12) are divorced, and 3.3% (12) are widowed. Lastly, academic qualifications show that 8.9% (32) have NCE/OND certificates, 5.0% (18) have obtained HND/B.Sc. and above, 73.6% (265) have Secondary School Certificates and below, and 12.5% (45) have no formal education.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA pie chart (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) was used to visually represent the various causes of stress, ranking them according to the responses of the participants. Long work hours are the most common cause of stress, accounting for 24% of the total. This suggests that excessive workloads and time pressures are significant contributors to stress levels. Family challenges and a lack of modern tools are tied as the second most common causes of stress, each accounting for 17% of the total. This highlights the impact of both personal and professional factors on stress. Financial incapability and rapid changes in commodity prices are also notable causes of stress, accounting for 15% and 12%, respectively. These factors reflect economic concerns and uncertainty. Lack of adequate infrastructure is the least common cause of stress, accounting for only 12% of the total. This suggests that infrastructure may be a relatively less significant factor compared to others.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA hypothesis was tested in the course of the study. This was to test whether there is a high level of relationship between stress among farmers and rural development in the study setting. The regression analysis was employed to test the extent of the relationship between the variables. The result of this analysis in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows that an increase in planning ahead of schedule will lead to an increase in the farm output of the farmers. The positive coefficient (0.254) for planning ahead signifies a significant and positive relationship with farm output. Farmers who engage in proactive planning tend to experience higher agricultural productivity. This aligns with the intuitive expectation that thoughtful and strategic planning contributes to more efficient farming practices, resource allocation, and overall improved farm output. Conversely, adapting to the stressor shows a negative coefficient (-0.267), indicating a significant negative impact on farm output. This suggests that, while adaptability is generally a valuable trait, excessive adaptation to stressors may adversely affect agricultural productivity. It's crucial for farmers to strike a balance between adaptability and maintaining stable, well-established farming practices. Surprisingly, frequent medical check-ups exhibit a non-significant impact on farm output, as indicated by the high p-value (0.755). This result implies that investing time in health check-ups might not be directly related to the immediate farm productivity of the participants in this study. Further investigation into the specific health-related aspects and their influence on farming practices could offer additional insights. The overall model explains 10.2% of the variance in farm output, indicating that the included stress management techniques capture a modest portion of the factors influencing agricultural productivity. The positive R-square value suggests that the model is better than a simple mean-based prediction. Understanding the impact of stress management techniques on farm output is crucial for rural development..\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe primary objective of this study was to conduct a sociological analysis to determine whether a relationship exists between the stress experienced by farmers and rural development. The findings reveal that the major causes of stress among farmers in selected communities in Kwara state are the lack of modern farming tools and financial incapability. These factors significantly contribute to the stress experienced by farmers in the region. When a farmer lacks modern tools, the efficiency and speed of work are compromised, leading to reduced productivity. This decrease in productivity can result in economic challenges for the community, as the limited supply of food and agricultural products affects overall availability. Financial incapability exacerbates this issue, as low-income farmers cannot afford sophisticated equipment that would enhance efficiency and output. These combined challenges contribute to the overall stress experienced by farmers in rural areas.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the study's analysis of hypotheses suggests that meticulous planning of farm activities positively correlates with increased farm output, thereby improving community food supply. In a country where food insufficiency is a prevalent challenge, managing stress through effective planning could play a crucial role in mitigating this issue. The study also concludes that adapting to stress factors beyond the farmer's control can help reduce stress and increase farm output. For instance, adapting to a lack of rainfall, an external factor, by finding alternative means of irrigation can positively impact farm productivity. However, the study finds that regular medical check-ups do not significantly affect the dependent variable (farm output). Therefore, the farm output remains consistent regardless of the farmer's adherence to regular check-ups.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn essence, the findings suggest that effective stress management strategies can enhance the efficiency and productivity of farmers, resulting in increased farm output\u0026mdash;an essential component of rural development. Improved farm output translates into increased income for farmers, enabling them to invest in various sectors of rural areas and expediting the overall process of rural development. The study underscores the importance of implementing recommended stress management strategies to alleviate stress among farmers in these rural communities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommendation\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarming is an inherently stressful and demanding occupation. Various factors, notably political changes, global market fluctuations, new legislations and regulations, and environmental conditions, contribute to the elevated stress levels experienced by farmers. To cope effectively with these stressors, farmers should be equipped with new mechanisms and approaches. Despite some government efforts to alleviate the financial challenges faced by farmers, they continue to encounter financial problems. The following recommendations can be proposed:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePromulgation of Awareness on Government Assistance: Extensive awareness campaigns should be conducted to disseminate information about government assistance fairly among farmers in rural communities. Many farmers lack access to modern tools that could facilitate and expedite their farming activities. Government assistance programs exist, but farmers often remain unaware of them or lack the prerequisites to access these resources.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmphasis on Adequate Preparation and Planning: Farmers should ensure thorough preparation and planning for their daily farming activities. Inadequate planning can lead to work overload, resulting in stress for the farmer. Therefore, managing stress by planning ahead of time is recommended in this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptation to Uncontrollable Factors: Certain factors beyond the farmer's control, such as climatic conditions and consumer preferences, can induce stress. The study recommends that farmers should make efforts to reduce stress by adapting to these uncontrollable factors. Adaptation may involve finding alternative approaches to address these challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEducational Initiatives by Government Extension Workers: Government extension workers should collaborate with and educate farmers in rural communities on effective stress management strategies for farm activities. Providing guidance and information can empower farmers to manage their activities with minimal stress.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImplementing these recommendations can contribute to reducing stress levels among farmers, promoting overall well-being, and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural activities in rural communities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeclarations Ethics Approval Statement and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research obtained official approval from the Research Ethics Committee within the Department of Sociology at the University of Ilorin. All procedures carried out during the study strictly adhered to the relevant guidelines and regulations. The data collection instrument underwent a comprehensive evaluation by the same Research Ethics Committee at the University of Ilorin, Department of Sociology, resulting in the approval for the commencement of data collection. To ensure ethical practices, the researcher obtained verbal consent from the respondents for their voluntary participation in the study. The researcher assured respondents that only the study assistants involved in data collection would have access to the questionnaires, and confidentiality would be maintained. Additionally, participants were informed that neither the management nor anyone else would be able to identify them as the respondents.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll data generated and analyzed for the manuscript are available upon request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author affirms that there are no possible conflicts of interest concerning the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author did not receive any financial backing for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors information\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunkanmi Folorunsho holds a Bachelor\u0026rsquo;s Degree in Sociology, and he is currently enrolled in the MA program in Sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research interests encompass a range of critical societal issues. Firstly, He is interested in exploring the intersection between violent victimization and health outcomes, with a specific focus on adolescents and older adults. Additionally, He is dedicated to investigating socioeconomic inequalities and their profound impact on health and overall well -being. Equally compelling to me are the inequalities within education and position social dimensions of STEM fields. These areas collectively drive my academic pursuits and underscore my commitment to making meaningful contributions to sociological research and discourse\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAltmaier, E. M. (1983). Helping students manage stress. San Francisco: \u003cem\u003eJossey-Boss Inc\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbass, I. M (2007). The Challenge of Rural Development Strategies In a Deregulated Economy. Being a paper prepared for a National Seminar on Rural Development \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eDoing more less Developing Rural Resources in a Deregulated economy\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e organized by New Nigerian Newspapers Limited in collaboration with Arthur Green Consultants held at Shiroro Hotel Minna, Niger State.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA.S. Ramesh and C. Madhavi (2009). Occupational Stress Among Farming People. \u003cem\u003eThe Journal of Agricultural Sciences,\u003c/em\u003e 2009, vol. 4, no 3\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaker, B.L (2002). Behaviour problems and parenting stress in families of three-year-old children with and without developmental delays\u003cem\u003e. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine\u003c/em\u003e. Am J Ment Retard. 2002 Nov;107(6):433-44.PMID: 12323068\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChandraiah, K.; Agrawal, S.; Marimuthu, P.; Manoharan, N. (2003). Job satisfaction among managers, \u003cem\u003eIndian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine\u003c/em\u003e 7(2).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCIPD (2008), Building the business case for managing stress in the workplace. Stress management. Available via\u003cem\u003e: \u0026lt;http://www.cipd.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/F5B27EA2-1A75-4C26 91401C9242F 7A9C6/0/4654StressmanagementWEB\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClimat Mundi (2009). Eritrea efficient wood stoves. At \u003cem\u003ehttp://www.climatmundi.fr/lng_EN_srub_7-Projects.html (accessed on 14 April 2010).\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCropanzano, R., Howes, J., Grandy, A., \u0026amp; Toth, P. (1997). The Relationship of Organizational Politics and Support to Organizational behaviours, Attitudes and Stress. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Organizational Behavior\u003c/em\u003e, 159-180. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFisher, S. (1994). Stress in Academic Life. Buckingham: \u003cem\u003eOpen University Press.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKompier, M.A.J., Marcelissen (2007), F.H.G., Handbook of Work Stress: A systematic approach for organizational practice, \u003cem\u003eAmsterdam: 2007\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMabogunje, A.L. (1991). The development process: A spatial perspective. London; \u003cem\u003eHutchinson \u0026amp; co. [publishers] Ltd\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMelinda, S., Ellen, J.G., Jeanne, S., \u0026amp; Robert, S. (2008). Preventing Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Coping Strategies. Retrieved on 28th May 2015. \u003cem\u003ehttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnout_signs_symptoms.htm\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMichie, S. (2002) Causes and Management of Stress at Work. \u003cem\u003eAn international peer-reviewed journal in all aspects of occupational \u0026amp; environmental medicine.\u003c/em\u003e 59 (1) 67-72. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoseley, Malcolm J. (2003). Rural development : principles and practice (1. publ. ed.). London \u003cem\u003e[u.a.]: SAGE.\u003c/em\u003e p. 5. ISBN 978-0-7619-4766-0\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eN. T. Meludu and O. M. Bajowa (2008): Gender and Stress Coping Strategies of Poultry and Cassava Farmers in Nigeria.\u003cem\u003e Journal of Human Ecology\u003c/em\u003e, ISSN09709274 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOkaka, O.R., \u0026amp; Okosun, J. (2009).The Causes, Effect and Management of Stress in Low Income Families. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Curriculum Studies and Instruction,\u003c/em\u003e 4, 50 - 59.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOkumadewa, F. (1997). Poverty and Income in Nigeria: Measurements and Strategies for Reform. \u003cem\u003eA paper presented at the Vision 2010 Workshop, Abuja\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOyewunmi, A. E.; Oyewunmi, O. A.; Iyiola, O. O.; Ojo, A. Y. (2015). Mental health and the Nigerian workplace: fallacies, facts and the way forward, \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Psychology and Counselling\u003c/em\u003e 7(7): 106\u0026ndash;111. http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/IJPC2015.0317\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePinder, C. C. (2008). Work motivation in organizational behavior. \u003cem\u003eNew York: Psychology Press.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePollock, L., Deaville, J., Gilman, A., \u0026amp; Willock, J. (2002). A Preliminary Study into Stress in Welsh Farmers. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Mental Health\u003c/em\u003e, 11(2), 213\u0026shy;-221.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRamesh, A. and Madhavi, C., (2009). Occupational stress among farming people. Journal of Agricultural Sciences \u0026ndash; Sri Lanka, 4(3), pp.115\u0026ndash;125. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jas.v4i3.1650Cox T. \u003cem\u003eOrganizational culture, stress, and stress management. Work Stress.\u003c/em\u003e 1991;5(1):1\u0026ndash;4.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRao V S P (2005) Second Edition, Human Resource Management - Text \u0026amp; Case, Chapter 29: \u003cem\u003eJob stress, Counseling and Monitoring,\u003c/em\u003e pp. 643 \u0026ndash; 676. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead N, ed (2011). Rural stress: positive action in partnership. \u003cem\u003eReport of a conference held on 21st March 1994 at the National Agricultural Centre Stoneleigh Park. Stoneleigh, Warwickshire: Royal Agricultural Society of England, 1994\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpector, P. E. (2008). Industrial and organizational behavior. \u003cem\u003eHoboken, NJ, Wiley.\u003c/em\u003e http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1559\u0026shy;1816.2008.00296.x\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStansfeld S, Candy B. Psychosocial work environment and mental health\u0026mdash;a meta-analytic review. \u003cem\u003eScandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health\u003c/em\u003e. 2006;32 (6):443\u0026ndash;462. [PubMed]\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteve, Williams, (2011), managing workplace stress: a best practice blueprint, Volume 1of Fast track series\u003cem\u003e, Publisher Wiley, Original from Cornell University\u003c/em\u003e, 78-84\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTennant, C. (2001). Work-related Stress and Depressive Disorders. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Psychosomatic research\u003c/em\u003e, 51 (3) 697-704.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVieet, V. S. (2011). Stress: coping mechanisms in the workplace [online], [cited 10 October 2013]. Available at: \u003cem\u003ehttp://www.sans.edu/research/leadership\u0026shy;laboratory/article/ stress\u0026shy;mgt\u0026shy;essay\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeiss, T. W. (2012). Workplace stress: symptoms and solution [online], [cited 10 October 2013]. Available at: \u003cem\u003ehttp://www.sans.edu/research/leadership\u0026shy;laboratory/article/ stress\u0026shy;mgt\u0026shy;essay.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Rural development, Stress, farmers","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833658/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833658/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eRural 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\u0026rsquo;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.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Sociological Analysis of Stress Management among Farmers and Rural Development In Selected Communities in Kwara State","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-01-05 18:15:57","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833658/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e5c9e7af-e9e8-4c8d-88f1-2a64c1f75066","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 5th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":27941563,"name":"Sociology"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-01-05T18:15:57+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-01-05 18:15:57","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3833658","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3833658","identity":"rs-3833658","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}