Factors Influencing the Use of Fertilizer in Arable Crop Production Among Smallholder Farmers In Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State

Abstract: The study evaluated the factors influencing the use of fertilizer in arable crop production among smallholder farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State. The objectives determined factors influencing the use of fertilizer in arable crop production among smallholder farmers, and determined socio-economic characteristics of smallholder arable crop production farmers in the study area. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted in selecting six Local Government Areas (LGAs), two community from each selected LGA, two villages from each selected communities and five farmers from each selected village. Data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire from one hundred and twelve farmers. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, and logistic regression analysis. Results of the analysis showed that output of crop, level of education, farm size and price of fertilizer were important factors influencing farmers' use of fertilizer in arable crop production while gender, age and household size were not. The result further showed that the average age of the farmers were 54.3years, 52.7% of them were males. The farmers spent about 8.5years in school and 20.6 years was their average farming experience. They have an average farm size of 1.3ha and household size of 7persons. The number of extension contact per month was twice. [Academia Arena 2010;2(6):90-96]

Factors Influencing the Use of Fertilizer in Arable Crop Production Among Smallholder Farmers In Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State

Abstract: The study evaluated the factors influencing the use of fertilizer in arable crop production among smallholder farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State. The objectives determined factors influencing the use of fertilizer in arable crop production among smallholder farmers, and determined socio-economic characteristics of smallholder arable crop production farmers in the study area. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted in selecting six Local Government Areas (LGAs), two community from each selected LGA, two villages from each selected communities and five farmers from each selected village. Data were collected with the aid of a wellstructured questionnaire from one hundred and twelve farmers. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, and logistic regression analysis. Results of the analysis showed that output of crop, level of education, farm size and price of fertilizer were important factors influencing farmers' use of fertilizer in arable crop production while gender, age and household size were not. The result further showed that the average age of the farmers were 54.3years, 52.7% of them were males. The farmers spent about 8.5years in school and 20.6 years was their average farming experience. They have an average farm size of 1.3ha and household size of 7persons. The number of extension contact per month was twice. [Academia Arena, 2010;2(9):41-49]