Analysis of Extent of Organic Waste Use in Urban Agriculture in Enugu State, Nigeria

Addition of organic manure to soils improves soil texture, structure and condition (aeration and temperatures) of the soil. Regardless of the importance of organic manure, organic wastes are carelessly dumped at dumpsites and on the streets, with government of the day, showing a lack of capacity to contain them. This underutilized resource can be utilized in urban farming, resulting in the reduction of the ever increasing waste volumes carelessly dumped on the streets by urban households. This paper was aimed at ascertaining the extent of organic waste (manure) use in urban farming and also determine the factors affecting extent of organic waste use in urban farming. Data were collected from Enugu and Nsukka urban centres, Nigeria. From the two centres, 120 household heads that use organic waste in urban farming were randomly selected and used in the study. The results show that extent of organic waste use (poultry and pig manure) was high; indicating that biodegradable organic waste from dumpsites can equally be used in farming, if they are sorted and bagged. Factors that affected extent of organic waste use in urban farming include household heads’ number of years spent in formal school, farming experience, gender, occupation, age, income level and farm size. Other factors include price of organic manure, price of chemical fertilizers and availability of organic manure. The results of this study underscore the need for government to explore various cost-effective ways of treating wastes, so that farmers can use wastes from dumpsites more in their farm productions

Challenges of Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change in Nigeria: a Synthesis from the Literature

Climate change is perhaps the most serious environmental threat to the fight against hunger, malnutrition, disease and poverty in Africa, mainly through its impact on agricultural productivity. This paper discusses the challenges of agricultural adaptation to climate change in Nigeria under the categories (adapted from FAO, 2001) - Hunger and Poverty; Agricultural funding for research and technology development; Traditional agricultural practices; Trade Liberalization and Market Development;  Policies, Institutions and Public Goods; and Information and Human Capital. The rural population, who produce more than 70% of the food eaten in Nigeria, are disproportionately poor and face malnutrition and disease. Both government and the private sector, which should drive the sector through consistent policies, robust funding and infrastructure development, have failed to accord this problem the priority it deserves. Moreover, the anticipated benefit from trade liberalization has failed to trickle down to the African farmer, coupled with the inefficient local marketing systems. In addition, the farmers are slow in changing their farming practices such as bush burning, deforestation and rain-fed agriculture and they lack the requisite education, information and training necessary to adapt to climate change. It is recommended that the government should not only decentralize its programs on poverty/HIV-AIDS and agricultural research (funding and activities), but should make them participatory. In addition, there should be an explicit national agricultural policy framework, adequate provision for irrigation, drainage, weather forecasting and other agricultural technology infrastructure, an incentive for training in agriculture, participatory and on-going capacity building for farmers, drought resistant and short duration high yielding crops development, integration of indigenous and modern knowledge on climate change adaptation, strengthening of the extension services, and encouragement for the formation of farmer groups.Le changement climatique est peut-être la menace environnementale la plus sérieuse qui pèse sur la lutte contre la faim, la malnutrition, les maladies et la pauvreté en Afrique, principalement en raison de son impact sur la productivité agricole. Cet article aborde les enjeux de l’adaptation agricole au changement climatique au Nigéria dans les catégories Faim et Pauvreté ; Financement de la recherche et du développement de technologies dans le secteur de l’agriculture ; Pratiques agricoles traditionnelles ; Libéralisation des échanges commerciaux et Développement du marché ; Politiques, Institutions et Biens publics ; et Informations et Capital humain. La population rurale, qui produit plus de 70 % des denrées alimentaires consommées au Nigéria, est extrêmement pauvre et doit faire face à la malnutrition et aux maladies. L’Etat, tout comme le secteur privé, qui devraient stimuler le secteur par le biais de politiques cohérentes de financements solides et du développement d’infrastructures, n’ont pas accordé au problème la priorité qu’il mérite. En outre, les bénéfices attendus de la libéralisation du commerce n’ont pas été répercutés sur les agriculteurs africains, ce qui n’est pas sans relation avec l’inefficacité du système des marchés locaux. Par ailleurs, les agriculteurs sont lents à modifier leurs pratiques agricoles, comme les feux de brousse, la déforestation et l’agriculture pluviale. Ils manquent de l’éducation, des informations et de la formation nécessaires pour s’adapter au changement climatique. Le gouvernement devrait non seulement décentraliser ses programmes sur la pauvreté / le VIH-SIDA et sur la recherche agricole (financement et activités) mais aussi les rendre participatifs. En outre, différents éléments pourraient être mis en place : un cadre de politique agricole nationale explicite ; une planification des systèmes d’irrigation et de drainage, des prévisions météorologiques et d’autres infrastructures technologiques agricoles adéquates ; des mesures d’incitation pour suivre des formations en agriculture ; un développement des compétences participatif et continu pour les agriculteurs ; le développement de cultures résistantes à la sécheresse à croissance rapide et à haut rendement ; l’intégration des connaissances ancestrales et modernes dans l’adaptation au changement climatique ; des mesures de renforcement des services d’extension, et des mesures d’encouragement pour la formation de groupes d’agriculteurs.El cambio climático es quizás la amenaza medioambiental más seria que enfrenta la lucha contra el hambre, la malnutrición, la enfermedad y la pobreza en África, principalmente debido a su impacto en la productividad agrícola. Este artículo trata de los retos de la adaptación agrícola al cambio climático en Nigeria en las categorías 2 – hambre y pobreza; financiación agrícola para la investigación y el desarrollo tecnológico; prácticas agrícolas tradicionales; liberalización del comercio y desarrollo del mercado; políticas, instituciones y bienes públicos; e información y capital humano. La población rural, que produce más del 70 % de los alimentos consumidos en Nigeria, es extremadamente pobre y sufre de malnutrición y enfermedades. Ni el gobierno ni el sector privado, que deberían implementar políticas coherentes, financiaciones sólidas y fomentar el desarrollo de infraestructuras, han otorgado a este problema la prioridad que merece. Al mismo tiempo, los beneficios esperados de la liberalización del comercio no han tenido efecto sobre los agricultores africanos, y los sistemas de mercado local son ineficaces. Asimismo, los agricultores son lentos en modificar sus prácticas de cultivo como la quema de maleza, la deforestación y la agricultura pluvial, y carecen de la educación, información y capacitación necesarias para adaptarse al cambio climático. Recomendamos que el gobierno no solamente descentralice sus programas sobre la pobreza / VIH–SIDA y la investigación agrícola (financiación y actividades), sino que también los haga participativos. Asimismo, debería haber un marco explícito para la política agrícola nacional; un sistema de irrigación, drenaje, previsión meteorológica y otras infraestructuras tecnológicas adecuadas para la agricultura; medidas de incentivo para la capacitación agrícola; un desarrollo de capacidades participativo y permanente para los agricultores; el desarrollo de cultivos resistentes a la sequía y de alto rendimiento sobre un corto plazo; la integración de conocimientos ancestrales y modernos sobre la adaptación al cambio climático; medidas para reforzar los servicios de divulgación; y apoyo para la formación de grupos de agricultores

Profit Efficiency Analysis of Cassava Production in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the profit efficiency of smallholder cassava farmers in Enugu state, Nigeria. The study employed a multi-stage random sampling technique in selecting 240 cassava farm households who are registered in the Enugu State Fadama III project during the 2019 farming season. Data were collected using copies of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (stochastic frontier profit function model). Results showed that the majority (73.3%) of the household heads were male, with a mean age of 52 years. Additionally, the majority (78.5%) of the respondents were married, mean farm size of respondents was 0.3125 ha, mean duration of formal schooling was 9 years, and personal savings was the major (83.1%) source of capital among respondents. The results further showed that profit efficiency ranged between 34.19 and 99.98%, while mean efficiency was 73% with the 27% loss in profit attributed to a combination of technical and allocative inefficiencies. Also, educational level and years of farming experience were the major significant factors which influence profit efficiency positively. Findings from this study could be relevant for policy formulation by government

Determinants of Women’s Contribution to Farming Decisions in Cocoa Based Agroforestry Households of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Women are key players in the agricultural sector of most developing countries of the world. However, despite this major role, men have reportedly continued to dominate farm decision making, even in areas where women are the largest providers of farm labour. This could be counter-productive, because there is bound to be conflict when women, as key players, carry out farm tasks without being part of the decision process, especially when the decisions fail to recognize their other peculiar household responsibilities. Previous efforts at estimating women’s role in agriculture have tended to concentrate on evaluating their labour contributions. There has been little farm-level information regarding their role in decision making, particularly in male dominated cash crop environments like cocoa agro-forestry households. This paper identified socioeconomic factors affecting their contribution to farm decision making. The paper is based on farm level data collected in Ekiti State, southwest Nigeria, from 120 randomly selected farm units. The results of the analysis show that the household socio-economic factors that encouraged high women contributions to farm decision making were their number of years of formal education and farming experience, financial contributions to household farming activities, number of hours spent in the farm, and farm size. Also, the societal constraints militating against women’s contributions to farm decisions were identified and grouped into (a) techno-institutional constraints such as lack of extension programmes and access/awareness of non-governmental organisation (NGO) programmes for women, insufficient knowledge of farm credit sources etc.; (b) socio-personal constraints such as misconceptions that women farmers do not have farming ideas, women are supposed to be subordinate to men in farming, low self confidence by women etc.; (c) economic/financial constraints such as low or lack of financial contributions to farming activities and access to credit support groups such as cooperatives, unwillingness of women to invest in a male-dominated cocoa farming environment. These observations underscore the need for special programmes that empower and recognise women, especially through education, finance and information.Dans la plupart des pays en développement, les femmes sont des protagonistes clés du secteur de l’agriculture. Toutefois, la prise de décision, dans les exploitations, relève toujours des hommes, même dans les régions où les femmes sont la principale source de main d’œuvre agricole. Cette situation peut être contre-productive, car des conflits peuvent apparaître lorsque les femmes, en tant qu’acteurs clés, assurent les travaux agricoles sans participer au processus de décision, en particulier lorsque les décisions ne prennent pas en compte leurs autres responsabilités dans le foyer. De précédentes initiatives visant à évaluer le rôle des femmes dans l’agriculture ont été lancées, en particulier pour évaluer la contribution des femmes aux travaux. Mais peu d’informations ont été recueillies sur le rôle des femmes dans la prise de décision, notamment dans les environnements de culture de rente dominés par les hommes, par exemple chez les ménages vivant de l’agroforesterie basée sur le cacao. Cet article identifie les facteurs socioéconomiques qui affectent l’implication des femmes dans la prise de décision. Il s'appuie sur des données recueillies dans 120 exploitations situées dans l’état de l’Ekiti, au sud-ouest du Nigeria, sélectionnées au hasard. Les résultats de l’analyse montrent que les facteurs socioéconomiques des ménages qui ont encouragé une forte participation des femmes au processus de décision sont le nombre d’années de scolarisation et l’expérience agricole, les contributions financières aux activités agricoles du ménage, le nombre d’heures passées dans l’exploitation et la taille de celle-ci. En outre, les contraintes sociétales qui empêchent les femmes de participer aux décisions relatives à l’exploitation ont été identifiées et regroupées en différentes catégories : (a) contraintes techno-institutionnelles, comme l’absence de programmes d’élargissement et d’accès/de sensibilisation aux programmes des organisations non gouvernementales (ONG) pour les femmes, des connaissances insuffisantes des sources de financement agricole, etc. ; (b) contraintes socio-personnelles comme les idées fausses selon lesquelles les agricultrices ne connaissent pas l’agriculture, les femmes sont supposées être sous les ordres des hommes dans les exploitations et manquer de confiance en elles, etc. ; (c) contraintes économiques/financières comme la faiblesse ou l’absence de participation financière aux activités agricoles et d’accès à des groupes de soutien au crédit comme les coopératives ; réticence des femmes à investir dans une exploitation de cacao dominée par les hommes. Ces observations mettent en évidence la nécessité de développer des programmes spécifiques permettant d'autonomiser les femmes et de reconnaître leur valeur, en particulier par l’éducation, par des moyens de financement et par l’information.Las mujeres juegan un papel clave en el sector agrícola de la mayoría de los países en desarrollo del mundo. Sin embargo, a pesar de este papel fundamental, los hombres han supuestamente continuado dominando la toma de decisiones sobre la granja, incluso en áreas donde las mujeres son las mayores proveedoras del trabajo de la granja. Esto podría ser contraproducente, porque  no cabe duda que existe un conflicto cuando las mujeres, como figuras clave, llevan a cabo las tareas de la granja sin ser parte del proceso de decisión, especialmente cuando las decisiones no reconocen sus otras peculiares responsabilidades de la casa. Esfuerzos anteriores para valorar el papel de las mujeres en la agricultura han tendido a concentrarse en evaluar sus contribuciones al trabajo. Ha habido algo de información a nivel de granjas con respecto a su papel en la toma de decisiones, especialmente en entornos con cultivo comercial dominado por el hombre como en los hogares dedicados a la agrosilvicultura basada en el cacao. Este artículo identificó los factores socioeconómicos que afectan a su contribución en la toma de decisiones en la granja. El artículo se basa en datos recopilados a nivel de granja en el Estado de Ekiti, sudoeste de Nigeria, en 120 unidades agrícolas seleccionadas al azar. Los resultados del análisis mostraron que los factores socioeconómicos de los hogares que favorecieron elevadas contribuciones de las mujeres en la toma de decisiones de la granja fue su número de años de formación académica y de experiencia agrícola, contribuciones financieras a actividades de agricultura doméstica, el número de horas pasadas en la granja, y el tamaño de la misma. Además, las limitaciones sociales que hay en contra de las contribuciones de las mujeres a las decisiones de la granja fueron identificadas y agrupadas en (a) limitaciones tecno-institucionales como falta de programas de extensión y acceso/conocimiento de programas de asociaciones no gubernamentales (ONG) para mujeres, conocimiento insuficiente de fuentes de crédito para la granja, etc; (b) limitaciones socio-personales como falsos conceptos de que las mujeres granjeras no tienen ideas sobre la agricultura, las mujeres deben estar subordinadas a los hombres en la agricultura, escasa confianza de las mujeres en sí mismas, etc; (c) limitaciones económicas/financieras como escasas contribuciones financieras o falta de las mismas a las actividades agrícolas y acceso a grupos de ayuda para obtener créditos como cooperativas, falta de voluntad de las mujeres para invertir en un ambiente agrícola de cacao dominado por hombres. Estas observaciones subrayan la necesidad de programas especiales que potencien y reconozcan la participación de la mujer en la sociedad, especialmente a través de la educación, los recursos financieros y la información

Spatial Price Differential: An Analysis of Soyabeans Marketing in Benue and Enugu States, Nigeria

Spatial price differential not only gives indication of potential profit margin but also a means of assessing the level and direction of market integration. The study examined the spatial price differential in soyabeans marketing in Benue and Enugu States, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 207 marketers who were randomly selected from four markets each from Benue and Enugu States. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, spatial price differential model, 4-point likert scale, ANOVA, correlation and t-statistics. Results showed that soyabeans marketers were dominated by literate (91.7%), young adult (mean of 39 years) males with a mean annual income of N474,370. Result of spatial price differential showed that while Annune market had positive price spreads for all the 12 months; Aliade market had only one negative price spread in June whereas Daudu had negative price spreads for five months (March, April, May, August and September). The result of ANOVA showed that there was significant difference (F=4.76; P≤ 0.01) in price spreads among the three markets studied. Correlation result showed significant relationship between purchase price (0.68**), transfer cost (-0.708**) and price spreads. The major constraints to soyabeans marketing were low demand, poor road network, low access to credits, high transportation costs, few soyabeans processing companies and heavy imposition of levies and taxes. Positive and negative price spreads indicates ineffiency in soyabeans marketing and these could be occassioned by the above mentioned constraints. Credit facilities should be advanced to marketers in the study area. Again, provision of infrastructural facilities like good roads and storage facilities could increase the efficiency of soyabeans marketing in the study area. Keywords: Soyabeans, Price differential, Price spreads, efficienc

Economics of Waterleaf (Talinumtriangulare) Production in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the profitability level of waterleaf production in three selected agricultural zones of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was based on primary data obtained from a random sample of 60 waterleaf farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, profitability ratios and regression analysis. The result of the analysis shows that the majority (90%) of the farmers had some level of formal education. Labour had the highest percentage (58%) of total cost of production, suggesting that waterleaf production was labour intensive in the area.  The average net income per hectare per waterleaf production cycle was N322,413 while the average total cost was N89,307.18. Labour cost constituted the highest percentage of total variable cost. The profitability index (0.78), rate of returns on investment (361%), rate of returns on variable cost (482%), and operating ratio (0.21) suggest that waterleaf production was profitable in the study area. The identified major factors that enhance the output of waterleaf were the application of poultry manure, bigger household size (cheap labour), level of education of the farmer and level of capital. These observations underscore the need for the provision of credit facilities and some kind of adult education programme for the farmers. These will respectively ensure that they apply the right quantity of purchased inputs (like fertilizers, hired labour and capital) in their production process and improve their human capital.Cette étude a porté sur l’analyse du taux de rentabilité de la production de grassé dans trois régions agricoles de l’état d’Akwa Ibom, au Nigeria. Des données primaires obtenues à partir d’un échantillon aléatoire de 60 cultivateurs de grassé ont été analysées à l’aide de statistiques descriptives, de ratios de rentabilité et d’une analyse de régression. Les résultats montrent que la majorité (90 %) des cultivateurs a un certain degré d’éducation formelle. La main d’œuvre représente le pourcentage le plus élevé (58 %) du coût total de production, ce qui indique que la production de grassé exige une main d’œuvre abondante dans la région. Le revenu net moyen par hectare et par cycle de production de grassé est de 322 413 nairas tandis que le coût total moyen est de 89 307,18 nairas. Le coût de la main d'œuvre constitue le pourcentage le plus élevé des frais directs totaux. L’indice de rentabilité (0,78), le taux de retour sur investissement (361 %), le taux de retour sur frais directs (482 %) et le coefficient d’exploitation (0,21) semblent indiquer que, dans la région étudiée, la production de grassé a été rentable. Les principaux facteurs d'amélioration de la production de grassé qui ont été identifiés sont les suivants : utilisation de poulaitte, foyer plus grand (main d’œuvre bon marché), niveau d’éducation du cultivateur et niveau de capital. Ces observations soulignent la nécessité d’offrir aux cultivateurs des facilités de crédit et un programme de formation, afin de garantir d’une part qu’ils injecteront la bonne quantité de moyens (engrais, main d’œuvre et capital) dans leur processus de production et d’autre part qu’ils amélioreront leur capital humain.Este estudio analizó el nivel de rentabilidad de la producción de espinaca de surinam en tres zonas agrícolas seleccionadas del Estado de Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. El estudio se basó en datos primarios obtenidos de una muestra aleatoria de 60 granjeros de espinaca de surinam y analizados utilizando la estadística descriptiva, índices de rentabilidad y análisis de regresiones. El resultado de los análisis mostró que la mayoría (90%) de los granjeros tenían algún nivel de formación académica. La mano de obra obtuvo el porcentaje más alto (58%) del coste total de producción, sugiriendo que la producción de espinaca de surinam era un trabajo intensivo en el área. Los ingresos netos medios por hectárea por ciclo de producción de espinaca de surinam fueron de 322.413 N mientras el coste total medio fue de 89.307,18 N. El coste de la mano de obra constituyó el porcentaje más alto del coste variable total. El índice de rentabilidad (0,78), el índice del rendimiento de la inversión (361%), el índice del rendimiento del coste variable (482%), y el índice operativo (0,21) sugiere que la producción de espinaca de surinam fue rentable en el área de estudio. Los factores clave identificados que aumentan la producción de espinaca de surinam fueron la aplicación de abono de aves caseras, un mayor tamaño de la casa (mano de obra barata), el nivel de educación del granjero y el nivel de capital. Estas observaciones subrayan la necesidad de centros de crédito y alguna clase de programa de educación para adultos para los granjeros. Estos asegurarán respectivamente que apliquen la cantidad correcta de insumos adquiridos (como abonos, mano de obra y capital empleado) en su proceso de producción y mejoren su capital humano

Challenges of Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change in Nigeria: a Synthesis from the Literature

Climate change is perhaps the most serious environmental threat to the fight against hunger, malnutrition, disease and poverty in Africa, mainly through its impact on agricultural productivity. This paper discusses the challenges of agricultural adaptation to climate change in Nigeria under the categories (adapted from FAO, 2001) - Hunger and Poverty; Agricultural funding for research and technology development; Traditional agricultural practices; Trade Liberalization and Market Development;  Policies, Institutions and Public Goods; and Information and Human Capital. The rural population, who produce more than 70% of the food eaten in Nigeria, are disproportionately poor and face malnutrition and disease. Both government and the private sector, which should drive the sector through consistent policies, robust funding and infrastructure development, have failed to accord this problem the priority it deserves. Moreover, the anticipated benefit from trade liberalization has failed to trickle down to the African farmer, coupled with the inefficient local marketing systems. In addition, the farmers are slow in changing their farming practices such as bush burning, deforestation and rain-fed agriculture and they lack the requisite education, information and training necessary to adapt to climate change. It is recommended that the government should not only decentralize its programs on poverty/HIV-AIDS and agricultural research (funding and activities), but should make them participatory. In addition, there should be an explicit national agricultural policy framework, adequate provision for irrigation, drainage, weather forecasting and other agricultural technology infrastructure, an incentive for training in agriculture, participatory and on-going capacity building for farmers, drought resistant and short duration high yielding crops development, integration of indigenous and modern knowledge on climate change adaptation, strengthening of the extension services, and encouragement for the formation of farmer groups

Determinants of Women’s Contribution to Farming Decisions in Cocoa Based Agroforestry Households of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Women are key players in the agricultural sector of most developing countries of the world. However, despite this major role, men have reportedly continued to dominate farm decision making, even in areas where women are the largest providers of farm labour. This could be counter-productive, because there is bound to be conflict when women, as key players, carry out farm tasks without being part of the decision process, especially when the decisions fail to recognize their other peculiar household responsibilities. Previous efforts at estimating women’s role in agriculture have tended to concentrate on evaluating their labour contributions. There has been little farm-level information regarding their role in decision making, particularly in male dominated cash crop environments like cocoa agro-forestry households. This paper identified socioeconomic factors affecting their contribution to farm decision making. The paper is based on farm level data collected in Ekiti State, southwest Nigeria, from 120 randomly selected farm units. The results of the analysis show that the household socio-economic factors that encouraged high women contributions to farm decision making were their number of years of formal education and farming experience, financial contributions to household farming activities, number of hours spent in the farm, and farm size. Also, the societal constraints militating against women’s contributions to farm decisions were identified and grouped into (a) techno-institutional constraints such as lack of extension programmes and access/awareness of non-governmental organisation (NGO) programmes for women, insufficient knowledge of farm credit sources etc.; (b) socio-personal constraints such as misconceptions that women farmers do not have farming ideas, women are supposed to be subordinate to men in farming, low self confidence by women etc.; (c) economic/financial constraints such as low or lack of financial contributions to farming activities and access to credit support groups such as cooperatives, unwillingness of women to invest in a male-dominated cocoa farming environment. These observations underscore the need for special programmes that empower and recognise women, especially through education, finance and information

Economics of Waterleaf (Talinumtriangulare) Production in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the profitability level of waterleaf production in three selected agricultural zones of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was based on primary data obtained from a random sample of 60 waterleaf farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, profitability ratios and regression analysis. The result of the analysis shows that the majority (90%) of the farmers had some level of formal education. Labour had the highest percentage (58%) of total cost of production, suggesting that waterleaf production was labour intensive in the area.  The average net income per hectare per waterleaf production cycle was N322,413 while the average total cost was N89,307.18. Labour cost constituted the highest percentage of total variable cost. The profitability index (0.78), rate of returns on investment (361%), rate of returns on variable cost (482%), and operating ratio (0.21) suggest that waterleaf production was profitable in the study area. The identified major factors that enhance the output of waterleaf were the application of poultry manure, bigger household size (cheap labour), level of education of the farmer and level of capital. These observations underscore the need for the provision of credit facilities and some kind of adult education programme for the farmers. These will respectively ensure that they apply the right quantity of purchased inputs (like fertilizers, hired labour and capital) in their production process and improve their human capital

DETERMINANTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AMONG FARM HOUSEHOLDS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: A HECKMAN DOUBLE STAGE SELECTION APPROACH

This study provided empirical information on determinants of climate change adaptation among farming households in Southwest Nigeria using Heckman’s double stage selection approach. Three states were randomly selected across southwest Nigeria: Ekiti, Ogun and Oyo States. Data were collected in two phases. The first phase was rapid rural appraisal of the selected states while the second phase was detailed survey using a structured questionnaire administered to 360 randomly sampled farm units. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and Heckman’s double stage selection model. The result of the analysis showed that there was relatively high level of awareness of climate change among the farmers. Major sources of information about climate change among the farmers include personal observation and extension agents. From the result of the Heckman double stage selection model, variables that significantly influenced the first decision of whether or not to adapt to climate change include: gender, experience, extension visits, farm size, income, credit access, number of farm labourers and dependency ratio. On the other hand, variables that significantly influenced extent of adaptation to climate change include: gender, experience, education, extension visits, farm size, income, credit access, number of farm labourers and dependency ratio. Based on the findings, the study therefore recommends farmers’ sensitization programmes on indicators of climate most especially those indicators with low indices. Effort should be made by government at all levels towards capacity building of the farmers through improved education, extension visits, increased farm size, increase in income and improved access to credit