Journal of Agricultural Economics, Environment and Social Sciences

ANALYSIS OF EFFECTIVENESS AND PROFITABILITY OF SELECTED WEED CONTROL METHODS FOR COWPEA [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] PRODUCTION IN THE SUDAN SAVANNA ECOLOGY OF NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:17+00:00

Weed management is crucial and expensive step towards cowpea production. Field experiments were conducted during the wet season of 2019 and 2020 at the Research and Teaching farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano to evaluate the effectiveness and profitability of selected weed management using weedy check (control), hoe weeding at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), metolachlor at 2.0 kg a.i.ha-1, imazethapyr at 3.0 kg a.i.ha-1, pendimethalin at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1, pendimethalin at 3.0 kg a.i ha-1, pendimethalin 1.0 + imazethapyr 1.0 kg a.i.ha-1, metolachlor 1.5 + pendimethalin 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1, imazethapyr 1.0 + pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i.ha-1 + SHW at 6 WAS, metolachlor 1.5 + pendimethalin 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 + SHW at 6 WAS, metolachlor at 2.0 + SHW at 6 WAS, pendimethalin at 2.0 + Supplementary hoe weeding (SHW) at 6 WAS. Weedy check plots yielded significantly (P < 0.01) higher weed density and dry weight than hoe weeded plots at 3 and 6 WAS, Pendimethalin and Metolachlor each at 2.0 + SHW at 6 WAS, which produced lower density and biomass, albeit comparable to other herbicidal-treated plots across the two seasons. Similarly, the application of two hoe weeding’s at 3 and 6 WAS and Metolachlor and Pendimethalin at 2.0 + SHW at 6 WAS significantly resulted in producing higher branches, pods plant-1, pod yield and fodder yield than weedy check. The result of the profitability analysis shows that the highest and lowest gross margin was obtained under pendimethalin at 2.0 kg a.i.h-1 + SHW at 6 WAS (₦164,385/ha) and weedy check (₦28,020/ha), respectively. The average gross income (2019/2020) season was highest under hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS, which could be connected to high yield, however, its gross margin ratio (53%) decreased lower than treatments under pendimethalin and metolachlor each at 2.0 kg a.i.h-1 + SHW at 6 WAS (56% and 55% respectively) which is associated with labour cost. For efficient management of cowpea weeds in Nigerian Sudan savanna ecology, application of pendimethalin and metolachlor at 2.0 kg a.i.h-1 + SHW at 6 WAS could be recommended due to their financial and economic advantages.

EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS OF YAM PRODUCTION IN YORRO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:17+00:00

The study examined efficiency of yam (Dioscorea spp.) production in Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine technical, allocative and economic efficiencies of yam farmers in the study area. Multi-stage random sampling methods were employed to select 247 yam farmers in the area. Data collected were analyzed using stochastic frontier production model. The results of the maximum likelihood estimate of production function showed that, farm size, seed/setts, and fertilizer were significant inputs utilized for production among farmers in the study area. The mean technical efficiency of yam farmers was 0.94. Similarly, the results of the maximum likelihood estimate of the cost function indicated that cost of seed/setts, fertilizer, agrochemicals and labour were the significant cost associated with yam production in the study area. The mean allocative and economic efficiencies were 0.95 and 0.89 respectively. The study therefore concluded that majority of yam farmers in Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba state, Nigeria operated at the maximum efficiency level indicating that there was little efficiency gap hence there is still scope for improvement of yam production in the study area. The study recommends investments by individuals, private organizations and government in yam production so that farmers could increase output through more intensive and efficient use of available resources given the current state of technology.

PRIMATE CROP RAIDING IN KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK, NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF VULNERABILITY INDICATORS AND FARMERS PERSPECTIVES FOR EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION

2024-11-14T16:27:17+00:00

Human-primate conflict is a persistent challenge in conservation efforts. The study investigates vulnerability indicators of crop damage by primates and farmers attitudes towards conservation in Kanji Lake National Park, aiming to inform effective conflict mitigation strategies. Direct method and structured questionnaire were used to obtain information on crop damage severity, farmer perceptions and conservation attitudes. The Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used in comparing vulnerability indicators that predisposed primates to conflict and the relationship between vulnerability indicators to crop damage intensity was determined using karl pearsons’ product moment coefficient of correlation. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test analyses were adopted to reveal the opinions of respondents for significant differences on farmer’s attitudes and perceptions for effective conservation. The results show a significant correlation between crop damage and vulnerability indicators thus, highlighting the need for effective conflict mitigation strategies. The results revealed that the identified key vulnerability indicator, numbers of standing crops (0.015) differed significantly among the ranges of the park (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, farm sizes (0.068) were not significantly different among ranges (P > 0.05). Farm distance to park has positive correlation with farm size (r = 0.203) and number of standing crops (r = 0.310). Similarly, there were strong correlations between farm size and number of crops damaged (r = 0.680). In respect to conservation attitudes 74% of the respondents were in support of primate conservation, 38% wished that primates should be exterminated to stop crop damage and economic losses. 40% of the respondents supported the use of lethal methods for preventing primates from raiding crops while 53.1% were of the opinion that zone dwellers should be allowed to hunt. The findings highlighted the need for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing human-primate conflict through collaborative approaches that consider both human livelihoods and wildlife conservation.

PROFITABILITY AND ITS DETERMINANTS OF MODERN HONEY PRODUCTION AMONG BENEFICIARIES OF KSAMBTT IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:17+00:00

The study was conducted to examine the economics of modern honey production and among the beneficiaries of KSAMBTT Kano State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire were used to collect information from 125 honey producers using multistage sampling techniques. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques, and multiple regression model. The study revealed that majority of honey producers were male and married with mean age of 40.27 years, about 87% had one form of education or the other, and a mean of 8 household members. The study also revealed that majority of honey producers had mean production experience of 14 years. The study showed that the average total output per unit of production was 220 liters per year, total cost was N620.70 per liter, and total gross revenue per liter was N1496.80 with net income of N876.10 per liter. Age (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.05), cost of modern equipment (p<0.01), and number of modern beehive (p<0.1) were the factors significantly influencing the profitability of honey production in the study area. The study further indicated that high cost of equipment, scarcity of modern processing equipment and tools and poor management were the major problems affecting honey production in the study area. The study concluded that honey production was a profitable venture in the study area and those farmers that were engaged in the venture obtained good returns. The study recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should organize more honey production trainings at a large scale so as to accommodate more people especially females in the business.

ANALYSIS OF SMALL-SCALE MAIZE FARMERS PARTICIPATION IN COMPREHENSIVE AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION PROGRAMME (ZACAREP) IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:17+00:00

The study analysed small-scale maize farmer’s participation in Zamfara comprehensive agricultural revolution programme (ZACAREP) in Zamfara State Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 160 respondents for the study and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Likert scale and Poisson regression model were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that, majority (75%) of the respondents were males and more than two third (61.9%) were not formally educated. Among the perceived factors that influence decision to participate in ZACAREP by farmers, refunding with products after harvest (

AGRIBUSINESS STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATING RISKS IN THE TOMATO VALUE-CHAIN: FROM SOKOTO FIELDS TO MARKETS

2024-11-14T16:27:17+00:00

This study examined the risks, attitudes, and management strategies of 100 tomato value chain actors (45 farmers and 55 marketers) aged 30-60 years in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select respondents An interview schedule was used for the data collection, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The socioeconomic results reveal that all the respondents were male, mostly middle-aged (mean of 42 years), married. About 72% of the marketers are members of cooperative associations while none of the farmers were members. About 67% of the farmers and 33% of the marketers have a secondary occupation. Results revealed that farmers predominantly encountered pests and diseases infestation (mean score 5.00), yield variability (mean score 4.69), and price instability (mean score 4.69) as major risks. Marketers, on the other hand, cited perishability (mean score 4.98), price instability (mean score 4.96), and payment defaults (mean score 4.84) as critical challenges. While pest and disease control, crop diversification, and income diversification were common among farmers, marketers primarily relied on price negotiation, improved storage, and efficient transportation. The study concludes that enhancing extension services, promoting cooperatives, and improving infrastructure are crucial to mitigating risks and boosting the tomato value chain's sustainability in Sokoto.

PROFIT AND PROSPERITY: SAVING STRATEGIES OF FEMALE SOY CAKE MICROENTREPRENEURS IN GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:17+00:00

This study investigates the saving patterns and challenges faced by female microentrepreneurs in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria, who process soy cakes. One hundred soy cake processors were surveyed using a two-stage sampling technique. The data collected were analysed by the use of descriptive statistics and OLS regression model. Data analysis revealed an average age of 22, with most of the respondents being unmarried and possessing only secondary education. About 24% of the soycake micro entrepreneurs reported not saving any money, the average weekly savings however amounted to 19.5% of gross margin (₦2,154). The most popular saving methods were informal rotating savings groups (Maiadashe) followed by home storage and livestock purchase. Banks were rarely used. Primary saving goals included future investment (30%) and immediate consumption (27%), followed by emergencies (22%). Surprisingly, education and marriage were less frequent saving motivations despite the young age and educational level of the respondents. Regression analysis confirmed gross margin and business experience as significant positive determinants of savings. Limited access to financial resources and a lack of financial literacy hinder their growth and stability This research highlights the need for financial inclusion initiatives and financial literacy training to empower these women to save more effectively and achieve greater financial security for their businesses and themselves

EFFECTS OF HEALTH EXPENDITURE ON FOOD SECURITY STATUS OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

The study assessed the effect of health expenditure on the food security status of rural households in Ogun State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 rural households in the study area. Data was collected from the respondents with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire complemented with an interview guide. Descriptive statistics, food security index, cost of illness procedure and binary logit regression model were the analytical techniques used for data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that majority (79.2%) of the respondent were male, married (90.8%), with a mean household size of 5 persons. Also, the mean age of the respondents was found to be 54 years with most of them involved in farming as their major occupation. Findings also revealed that majority of the rural households suffered from various illnesses such as malaria, waist/back pain, fever, high blood pressure, rheumatism and other illnesses with an average estimated cost of illness (₦45, 973.68 per month). The results of the food security status of the rural households revealed that a higher percentage (53.3%) of the rural households were food insecure. Factors found to significantly affect the food security status of the rural households were cost of illness (p<0.1) and other socio-economic variables such as education (p<0.1), income (p<0.05) and sex of the household head (p<0.01). Therefore, this study recommends that government should subsidize the cost of drugs and other medical expenses for poor households particularly those in the rural areas in order to reduce their financial burden on health care and increase their economic access to food.

ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR SWEET POTATO ATTRIBUTES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

The study was undertaken to examine the consumer preference for sweet potato attributes in Kano State. Descriptive statistics and Garret’s ranking were used to analyze the data collected from 251 sweet potato consumers who were systematically selected using structured questionnaire. The results showed that sweet potato consumers had a mean age, household size and monthly income of 34 years, 4 persons and N49, 724 respectively. Majority (93% and 77.29%) of the consumers were male and married respectively. The results further indicated variety (mean score = 77.5, ranked 1st), colour (mean score = 72.6, ranked 2nd), dry matter content (mean score = 62.0, ranked 3rd), fibre content (mean score = 53.1, ranked 4th) and sweetness (mean score = 46.0, ranked 5th) were the most attributes considered by the consumers while purchasing sweet potato. It is concluded that majority of the sweet potato consumers were more sensitive to variety, colour and dry matter content in their decision to purchase sweet potato and therefore, recommended that the breeders should take into cognizance these attributes while developing new sweet potato variety to make it more acceptable and marketable commodity to consumers.

ASSESSMENT OF SMALL HOLDERS FARMERS' ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE PRACTICES IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

The study assessed smallholder farmers’ adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture practices in Borno State, Nigeria. Identified socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, assessed the respondents’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices and investigated the constraint by respondents in adopting climate-smart agriculture practices. Both primary and secondary sources were used. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 respondents as the sample size. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and likert type scale were used. The findings indicated that, majority (67.5%) of the respondents were within the prime working age of 20-49 years with a mean age of 43 years. Majority (75.5%) were male, 63.5% married with 43.0% had 7-9 persons per household. However, more than half (56%) of the respondents had no formal education, and 56% earn less than 50,000 Naira annually. The study also found that 58% had more than 10 years of farming experience, but only 30% were members of association. Conservation agriculture practices such as reduced tillage, crop residue management, and crop rotation/intercropping were rated 1st with the highest (x = 4.29) implying strong agreement to adoption of conservation agriculture practices. The climate smart agricultural practices highly adopted by the respondents include; water retention and erosion control technique (89%) and efficient fertilizer application technique (79.5%), moderately adopted practices; home garden (63%) and compost making/green manuring (58%), whereas least adopted practices; early warning system (20.0%) and use of more efficient cooking stove (17%). The most severe constraint identified include lack of awareness and limited information about climate smart agriculture practices (x=1.87), as well as limited access to credit (x=1.80). High cost of labor for climate smart agriculture and policy inconsistencies (x=1.32, 1.44) were identified as not severe constraint compared to others. The study recommended that Extension agents and Research institute should create more awareness on impact of adopting Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and improve easy accessibility to weather and climate information through provision of mobile-based platforms or community radio broadcasts that deliver timely and relevant information.

ASSESSMENT OF POULTRY FARMERS AWARENESS ON RECORD KEEPING IN JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

The study assessed poultry farmers’ awareness on keeping farm record in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. The research identified the socio-economic characteristics of the poultry farmers, assessed their level of awareness on record-keeping, and determined factors influencing record-keeping among the respondents. The study employed a two-stage sampling technique to select 150 respondents, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, Likert scale, and logistic regression models were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that most (46%) of the respondents were aged between 36-51 years with majority (70%) predominantly female, 68% had a mean of 7 persons per household with an average of 7 years of poultry farming experience Majority (85%) of the respondents had attained one form of education or the other. Additionally, more than 80% earned less than ₦30,000 to ₦90,000 per production cycle. Majority (86.7%) had a flock size of less than 90 birds. Additionally, while 70% of the respondents recognized the importance of record-keeping in ensuring farm profitability. Logistic regression analysis showed that education level, flock size, knowledge of record-keeping, and access to extension services were significant at 1% level each. The recommend that, Extension services should prioritize training programs, particularly for women, who form the majority of the farming population. Training programs should focused on the importance of record keeping and practical methods for maintaining records.

EVALUATION OF SESAME (SESAMUM INDICUM L.) AS AFFECTED BY NPK FERTILIZER RATES AND COWPEA [VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.] SOWING DATES IN SESAME AND COWPEA INTERCROPPING IN SUDAN SAVANNA, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

The study was conducted during 2021 and 2022 rainy seasons; to determine the effects of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as affected by NPK fertilizer rates and Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] sowing dates in sesame and cowpea intercropping in Sudan savanna, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of four rates of NPK fertilizer (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha) and three cowpea sowing dates (simultaneous sowing of cowpea with sesame, sowing of cowpea two weeks after sesame (CSAS) and sowing of cowpea three weeks after sowing the sesame (CSAS), laid out in a factorial arrangement, fitted into a split plot design and replicated three. The NPK fertilizer was assigned to the main plots while cowpea sowing dates were allocated to the sub-plot. Data on growth and yield parameters collected included plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant (cm2), number of capsules per plant, 1000 seeds weight (g) and seed yield per hectare (kg/ha ). The data generated from the study were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Statistix 10.0 and where there is a significant difference; the means were separated using LSD at 5% probability level. Results revealed that NPK fertilizer had significantly improved the growth and yield of sesame. Sesame yield increased with increase in NPK fertilizer rates up to 100 kg ha-1. The highest grain yield obtained for the combined was 934.76 kg/ha. As for the cowpea sowing date, it was noticed that when the cowpea was sown three weeks after sesame, the yield of the sesame increased significantly. The interaction of 100 kg NPK/ha with three weeks after cowpea sowing recorded significantly greater grain yield in both years. Based on the findings, it is concluded that application of 100 kg NPK/ha with three weeks after cowpea sowing is recommended for sesame + cowpea in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria.

PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF CATFISH PRODUCTION IN KANO METROPOLIS, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

Fish is an important dietary element and a major source of animal protein in human diet for many Nigerians. The demand for fish has been on the increase because of geometrical increase in human population, this has resulted to a significant gap created between fish demand and supply. It is obvious given the importance of fish production that efforts must be made to encourage entrepreneurs to go into the business. However, many have shown doubts on the productivity and profitability of fish production, particularly on a smallholder level. This study therefore, examines the profitability of catfish production in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Two stage sampling procedure was employed to select respondents for the study. Primary data were collected with the use of well-structured questionnaire administered to 120 catfish producers. The tools of analysis employed were descriptive statistics, gross margin and net farm income. The study revealed that Majority of the producers (69%) are male. Furthermore, 85percent of the fish producers have attained post primary education. The gross margin (GM) was ₦657,420, while the enterprise profit which is the net farm income was estimated at ₦598,128 and 0.33 return to capital for the farmers. Some of the challenges confronting the respondents in their business includes high cost of feed, lack of government support and lack of training. Thus, there is a need for provision of training for higher level of productivity, subsidizing of inputs such as feed by the government and participation in cooperative societies by the fish farmers for financial and inputs assistance by relevant Non-Governmental Organizations.

ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION FOR SELF-CARE AMONG FEMALE YOUTH FARMERS IN KADUNA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

The study examined the agricultural livelihood diversification strategies for self-care among female youth farmers in Kaduna South Local Government area of Kaduna State. The specific objectives were to: examine the extent of female youth diversification strategies in agricultural livelihood activities in the study area; examine the extent of use of livelihood income on female youths’ self-care, and determine the factors influencing categories of livelihood diversified among the female youths in the study area. A multi-staged sampling procedure was used in selecting 131 respondents and primary data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model were used for data analysis. The results showed that 44.0% of female youth were engaged in processing and value addition activities while 21.2% of them were engaged in production activities and about (48.0%) of them were engaged in more than one livelihood activities. The findings further revealed that livelihood diversification strategies were influenced by level of education (2.550), agricultural experience (0.001) and number of livelihood activities (0.626) among others. Thus, the study recommends that government and private organization should provide financial support and entrepreneurial training to female youth to boost their capacity to diversify to more and better livelihood activities, thereby keeping them away from youth restiveness

ANALYSIS OF YAM (Dioscorea spp) PRICES IN THE URBAN AND RURAL MARKETS IN THE WESTERN AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the prices of yam (Dioscorea spp) in the urban and rural markets of the western agricultural zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Data of monthly urban and rural prices on yam were collected from Nasarawa State Agricultural development programme. The result of the descriptive statistics showed that the minimum (13.89) and maximum (500.00) prices were recorded in Toto and Nasarawa respectively. The result of the ADF test shows that the price series in the western zone were all stationary both at level I(0) and at first difference I(1) except for Toto that did not attain stationarity at level I(0) but attained stationary after first differencing I(I). The co-integration result shows that only four (4) pairs were not co-integrated and these were Nasarawa/Laminga, Masaka/Gitata, Masaka/T-Uku and Masaka/Ara. Also from the result of the Granger-causality test, sixteen yam market links of urban and rural market investigated, fifteen yam market links showed the evidence of no granger –causality, they all exhibited evidence of Uni-directional price movement. The rural prices of yam exhibited weak exogeneity to their corresponding urban market prices. There is need for improvement of road networks, transport and market infrastructure. The study recommended policy interventions for improvement of market integration which may take form of price formation channels, and improvement of market infrastructure including transportation and road network, such policy should works to reduce transport cost and enhance trade between rural and urban markets.

ASSESSMENT OF FEMALE YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOOD GENERATING ACTIVITIES IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

This study examines female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja. The objectives of the study were to: examine the extent of female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities and the income generated, determine factors influencing female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities, and identify major constraints faced by female youth participating in agricultural livelihood generating activities. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 133 female youths from 13 registered youth associations with 10 from each group in (4) peri-urban communities of the study area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data while descriptive statistics and Logit regression model were used to analyze the data. The results showed that 30.1% and 14.3% of the respondents were engaged in crop and poultry production and generated an average income of ₦420,093.02 and ₦216,000.00 respectively while 3.0% and 4.5 only were engaged in crop produce processing and poultry meat and egg marketing and generated ₦29,250.74 and ₦14,166.67, respectively. The logit regression results indicated that factors influencing female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities include age, education status, household size, income, occupation, and distance. Also, the major constraints hindering participation were inadequate access to land (43.6%), inadequate access to finance (41.6%) and high cost of production (16%). While the study indicates that a significant portion of female youths is engaged in crop and poultry production, their overall participation in agricultural activities is limited. The study provides critical insights into the potential of agriculture as a viable solution to youth unemployment in Nigeria. The study recommends implementing policies to improve land access for female youths, including land reform initiatives that prioritize youth ownership and leasing options. Additionally, it suggests exploring strategies to reduce production costs through input subsidies, partnerships with agricultural suppliers, and community-based resource-sharing initiatives.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT (ISFM) PRACTICIES CHOICE AMONG MAIZE FARMERS IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

This study was carried out to analyzed socio-economic determinants of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices choice among maize farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling procedure, 206 maize farmers were selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression models were used to analyze the data collected. Findings revealed that majority of the farmers (about 60%) fell within the 20-40 years and they were predominantly male (62.1%), married (82.0%), and had a secondary education (40.3%). Farmers operated on an average farm size of 1.70 hectares. Majority of the maize farmers in the study area used intercropping with legumes (94%), organic manure (87%) and improved maize seed (79%) ISFM practices, the least practiced ISFM among the farmers were minimum tillage, crop residue retention and use of crop rotation. Socio-economic factors that were significant (P < 0.05) and positively influenced ISFM practices used among maize farmers were annual income, education level, and household size. Meanwhile gender (sex) have negative and significant (P < 0.05) influence on minimum tillage practice by the maize farmers. The study concludes on moderate use of ISFM practices among maize farmers in the study area. It was therefore be recommended that organized farmer’s programmes should be targeted toward educating the farmers on ISFM practices benefits and improving their income so as to facilitate adoption of ISFM practices for sustainable farm operation.

SPATIAL MARKET INTEGRATION AND PRICE TRANSMISSION OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata) IN NIGERIA

2024-11-14T16:27:18+00:00

The study investigated spatial market integration and price transmission of cowpea in Nigeria. Secondary data on monthly basis for wholesale cowpea price per kilogram were used for the study. Augmented Dicky Fuller Test, Johansen Co-integration model, Granger Causality Test and Variance Decomposition of Vecto Autoregressive Model and Error Correction Model were used as analytical tools. Augmented Dickey Fuller test revealed that first difference all the price series were stationary and lag one (1) is the optimum lag length appropriate for the specified variables. Cointegration test results of the markets proved that despite that these markets were spatially separated geographically, they were connected in terms of price transmission across them, both in the long and short run but the level of integration is weak. It was observed that price changes are temporary and would converge to an equilibrium within a given time span. Granger causality test results indicate that one pair showed bi-directional causation between Bauchi and Enugu States. Thirty two (32) links showed unidirectional and three (3) pairs such as Niger→Abia, Niger→Lagos and Sokoto→Cross River States pairs showed no causal relationship between them. The study showed that Gombe and River States cowpea price had a faster speed of adjustment to equilibrium than other states. It also revealed that that 1% increase in Jigawa State will result to 20.5% increase in Enugu state and 1 % increase in River State will lead to 40.6% and 64.8% increase in Gombe and Nasarawa States in the short run respectively. The study concluded that, there is integration between the cowpea prices of source and destination states, but the degree of integration is weak. It is recommended that market participants should adopt standardize trading, settlement practice and invest in technology (electronic trading platform) to reduce operational inefficiencies in different markets to support integration.