Effect of Road Infrastructure on Farm Production in Oyo State, Nigeria

In spite of the fact that majority of Nigerian farmers live in rural areas, the rate of infrastructural development in the rural areas remain a source of serious concern. This study was therefore carried out to assess the state of road infrastructure and it effect on farmers’ productivity in Oyo state, Nigeria. A three stage random sampling technique was employed to select 120 farming households in the study area. Descriptive statistics and the multiple regression models were the major analytical tools employed for the study. The result of the analysis showed that the state of road infrastructure in the study area is less than stellar as only about 12 percent of the roads were tarred. Cost of inputs, farm size, access to fertilizer, labour and access to good roads were identified as the significant factors influencing farmers’ output in the study area. In line with the results of the study, it was recommended that the government should focus on construction of more rural roads is to enhance farmers’ productivity and income through increased access to inputs and product market.Key words: Infrastructure, Market, Road, Rural, Oy

Cooperatives in Small Scale Amaranthus Production in Kwara State Nigeria

The study assessed cooperative in small scale amaranthus vegetable production in Kwara State, Nigeria with reference to cooperator and non- cooperator amaranthus vegetable farmers. Specifically, the study looked at the costs and returns to amaranthus vegetable farming for both groups and the effect of cooperative membership on the amaranthus vegetable farmers’ output. A three stage sampling procedure was employed to collect data from 140 (70 cooperator and 70 non cooperator) vegetable farmers using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression methods were the major analytical techniques employed. The result of the study showed a significantly higher gross margin for the co-operator vegetable farmers compared to the non-cooperator vegetable farmers. Family size, farm size, Labour and cooperative membership were the significant factors influencing vegetable farmers’ output in the study area. The study recommends that the government should through appropriate ministries and agencies, organise periodic seminars and workshops for the farmers on the need to form viable cooperatives and ways to get the best out of the cooperative societies. Provision of machineries such as tractors to the farmers under the supervision of viable farmers’ cooperative societies to help reduce the over dependence on human labour and consequently raise production is also recommended.Keywords: Cooperator vegetable farmers, Non-Cooperator vegetable farmers, Gross margin, Ordinary Least Squares Regression, Kwara Stat

Comparative analysis of root and tuber expansion programme in Kwara state, Nigeria

The Nigerian government over the years introduced and implemented several policies and programmes aimed at improving the agricultural sector and enhancing farmers’ welfare. However, very little is known about the impact of these programmes on the intended beneficiaries to justify the huge funds expended on their execution. This study therefore examined how the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) had impacted on root and tuber crops production of the beneficiaries in Kwara State, Nigeria. A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques was used to select 60 beneficiaries and 60 non-beneficiaries of the programme. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Data Envelopment Analysis, and T-Test Analysis. The mean Total Factor Productivity index for the beneficiaries was 4.94 while that for the non-beneficiaries was 3.92. The mean technical efficiency score was 0.92 for beneficiaries and were more efficient than the non beneficiaries who had a technical efficiency score of 0.71. The study concluded that RTEP had made some positive impact on its beneficiaries in Kwara State and the capital investment in the programme by both the Federal and State Governments is justifiable. This study recommends that the programme should be expanded to cover all local government areas in the state to ensure a wider spread of the project benefits and that continuity of the programme beyond the project period should also be given due consideration.Key words: Root and Tuber Expansion Programme, Technical Efficienc

Awareness and Usage of the Baobab in Rural Communities in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study investigated awareness and usage of the Baobab plant in rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. It examined the determinants of the plant’s usage as well as constraints to its usage in the State. A three stage random sampling procedure produced the 200 respondents from which primary data used for the study was collected using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequency counts, percentages and means was employed in presenting the findings of the study. The logit regression model was used in the determination of the factors of usage among the respondents. The study revealed that the level of awareness of the uses and benefits of the plant as well as its usage in the state is poor. Level of awareness at p<0.05 and income at p< 0.1 were found to be the determinants of usage of the baobab in the State. The strong negative socio-cultural belief held about the plant, poor level of awareness about its benefits and the poor knowledge of its processing were the major constraints against its use in the State. The study recommends the need to increase awareness of the benefits of the plant and also to provide information on the processing methods applicable to the baobab. The various agricultural extension agencies in the State in collaboration with agricultural research institution in the State can go a long way in ensuring that the potentials of the baobab plant is optimized among rural communities in the State.Keywords: Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.), Awareness, Usage, Logit Regression Model, Kwara State

Determinants of Fertilizer Usage in Dry Season Amaranthus Vegetable Production in Kwara State, Nigeria

Amaranthus vegetable is often considered as one of the most important leafy vegetables in the tropics because of its high dietary value. In spite of its importance however, its production fall short of the ever increasing domestic demand for it. Soil nutrient depletion following intensification without proper soil fertility management practices hve been identified as one of the most important factor militating against its production. This study therefore carried out an assessment of the usage of recommended soil fertility management practices in dry season amaranthus vegetable production in Kwara state, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 120 amaranthus vegetable farmers for the study. Major tools of analysis used for the study were descriptive statistics and the logistic regression model. The result of analysis revealed that the usage of recommended soil fertility management practices in the study area is low. Furthermore, results of the logistic regression model showed that farm size, contacts with extension agents and the educational status of the farmer had significant effects on the usage of recommended soil fertility management practices in the study area. The study therefore recommends that government should employ and train more agricultural extension agents to cater for the majority of farmers who lack access to information on the usage of recommended soil fertility management practices. Also, the farmers should be given appropriate orientation on the need to cultivate manageable farm size to ensure increased productivity and sustainability of available land put into use.Keywords: soil fertility management, Chemical Fertilizer, Manure, Amaranthus vegetable, logistic regression model

Effect of Fadama III programme on poverty status of rice farming households in Patigi local government area of Kwara state, Nigeria

Concern about the menace posed by poverty has led the Nigerian government over the years to devote considerable attentions to alleviating its scourge through various aids and programmes. However, little is known as to the extent to which the objectives of these programmes have been achieved. This study was therefore carried out to examine the micro level effect of the National Fadama III Programme on poverty status of rice farming households in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A purposive- two stage random sampling technique was used to select 60 beneficiaries and 60 non-beneficiaries of the programme using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Foster Greer Thorbecke model and the Tobit regression model were the major analytical tools employed. The results obtained from the headcount indices showed that, 33% and 60% of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries respectively are poor. The poverty gap indices were 0.36 and 0.45 for Fadama III and non Fadama III farmers respectively while the squared poverty gap was 0.17 and 0.22 respectively. The result of the Paired t-test showed that the National Fadama III programme impacted positively and significantly on the beneficiaries’ welfare. The Tobit regression analysis revealed, that household size, farm income, educational level of the household head, age and beneficiary status were the major determinants of poverty in the study area. Based on findings of the study, it was recommended that farming households especially women should be given increased access to programmes such as the National fadama III programme to improve their welfare and increase agricultural production in the country.Keywords: Fadama III; poverty; Tobit; Beneficiaries; Patig

Technical Efficiency of Sugar Cane (Saccharum officinarum) Production in Niger State, Nigeria.

Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) is grown by thousands of local farmers in Nigeria, yet the level of production has not kept pace with the level of consumption. This study was therefore carried out to examine the efficiency of sugar cane production in Niger State, Nigeria. The study sample comprised of 105 sugar cane producers selected across three Local Government Areas in Niger State. Major tools of analysis used for the study were the gross margin analysis and the stochastic frontiers model. Results of the study showed that a gross margin of N401606/ha was realized per farmer from sugar cane production. Also, the result of the stochastic frontier model shows that experience of the farmer and household size had significant effect on the efficiency of sugar cane production. A mean technical efficiency of 69.5% was obtained from the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) of the Stochastic Production Frontier. The study recommends that the government should make inputs such as fertilizers and sugarcane cuttings available to farmers at a subsidized rate. Also, given the significant and negative relationship of herbicide usage and farmers’ output, it is important that the government organize trainings on  the appropriate use of agricultural inputs for farmers to ensure increased production and profitabilityKey words: Efficiency; Extension Services; Gross Margin; Niger State; Stochastic Production Frontier; Sugar can