Effect of agricultural crimes on cashew crop farmers in Ogbomoso Agricultural zone of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Agricultural crime stays mostly under-researched. This study examined the effects of agricultural crimes on cashew crop farmers in the Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, utilising a well-organised questionnaire administered via an interview schedule. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Five per cent of 180 villages were purposefully selected due to their high concentration of cashew plantations. The second stage involves the random selection of cashew crop farmers in the study area. In the third stage, 10 cashew farmers from each selected village within the study area were randomly chosen. Consequently, 90 cashew farmers were selected randomly for the study. The results revealed that most cashew farmers are men (61.1%), with an average age of 50 and 23 years of growing experience. Most of the people who answered worked on small farms (an average of 7 hectares), and they used both family and hired workers. Among the most common crimes in agriculture were theft of cashew nuts (97.8%), theft of other goods (96.7%), damage to property (86.7%), and trespassing (73.3%). These crimes caused big problems, like fewer fruits being harvested (WMS 3.14) and less income (WMS 2.99). Farmers took steps to stop theft by firing dishonest workers, marking crops and tools, and using community-based surveillance like vigilante patrols. Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between levels of education and the ability to manage the effects of these crimes (r = 0.42). Agricultural crimes are a major threat to cashew production and the way farmers in the area make a living. Therefore, we recommend strengthening community policing, educating farmers, and providing institutional support to enhance security and sustain cashew production