Gender and Resource Productivity in Rice Production n Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract: The inadequacy of information on resource productivity and their differentials by gender in rice production has prevented rice farmers from knowing the resources they are yet to realize their full potentials. This study analyzed resource productivity by gender in rice production in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 130 rice farmers comprised of 65 males and 65 females from the 13 Local government areas of Ebonyi State. Data were collected with structured and validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and productivity model. Results showed that marginal productivity of labour, capital and land for male farmers were higher than those of female farmers, while the marginal productivity of fertilizer and seed for female farmers were higher than those of male farmers. Rice farmers should be encouraged to use more of the resource imputs since a unit change in their use increases rice output

Exploitation of communal oil palm resource and the remedies in Imo state, Nigeria

There is inadequate information and awareness on the detrimental consequences of exploitation of communal oil palm resource in Imo State. This study analyzed the forms of exploitation and the negative consequences as well as the factors influencing exploitation. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 144 randomly selected respondents in Imo State, and analyzed using means, percentages, net returns and logistic regression analysis. Results show that harvesting of unripe oil palm fruits is the most serious form of exploitation, while reduced income was the most negative consequence of exploitation. Household size, occupation, annual income, returns from oil palm produce, farm size, operational intensity and labor costs were important factors influencing communal oil palm resource exploitation. Pressures on communal oil palm resource would reduce if alternative employment and sources of income are provided, and adequate attention is given to the factors that influence communal oil palm resource exploitation in Imo State. Keywords: Oil palm, rural farm, house hold, Nigeria IJOTAFS Vol. 1 (1) 2007: pp. 23-2

Comparative Analysis Of Organic And Inorganic Fertilizer Use In Cassava Production In Imo State

This study was designed to estimate and compare the net returns of cassava farmers that use organic and inorganic fertilizers, determine the factors influencing the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and ascertain the farm level constraints of farmers. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 120 randomly selected farmers, and analysed using percentages, frequency, net returns model, logistic regression model and Z-statistics. It is profitable to use organic and inorganic fertilizers but more profitable to use organic fertilizers in production. Organic and inorganic fertilizers use were significantly influenced by output of cassava, education, household size, farm size, farming experience, extension contact, cost of inorganic fertilizer and availability of inorganic fertilizer. Inadequate cassava cuttings was a major constraint to the farmers and this can be overcome by the establishment of cassava multiplication farms by the extension service. Organic fertilizer should be processed and bagged like inorganic fertilizer to make it readily available to the farmers. > International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 9 2007: pp. 30-3