Information Flow along Catfish Marketing Channels in Nigeria: Whither the Role of Mobile Telephony

The objectives of this study were two-folds; examined the use of mobile phone technology to facilitate catfish marketing and identified the determinants of variations in the frequency of mobile phone use for catfish marketing among agents involved in the marketing chain. The study was carried out in Kwara-state, Nigeria. One hundred and forty respondents were stratified and randomly sampled and data was collected through the use of well-designed questionnaires. Descriptive and Poisson regression model were used to analyze the data. The study identified the use of mobile phone along five communication channels used for catfish marketing. Annual income generated from catfish business was significant in explaining variations observed in the frequency of mobile phone use (p</jats:p

Patterns and Drivers of Mobile Telephony for Sustainable Livelihood among Rural Farming Households in Kwara State, Nigeria

Recently, it is acknowledged that mobile phones, as an asset, exhibits multiple functionalities and diverse applications that cut across all forms of capital accumulation necessary for sustainable livelihood. However, empirical result is sparse in Nigeria as to the impact of mobile phones on asset accumulation. This study examined the socio-economic determinants of mobile phone use and intensity of use for sustainable capital formation in among farming households in Kwara state, Nigeria. Specifically, 120 rural farming households were randomly sampled and count data on the number of calls made with respect to livelihood capitals generated. Binary Logistic regression and Zero-Inflated negative Binomial regression models were used in analyzing the data. The study revealed that 73% of the respondents have access to mobile phone use. The study identifies major uses of mobile phone for sustainable livelihood enhancement activities. Significant determinants of mobile phone use are; possession of formal education, household size, age, marital status, annual farm income, diversity of crop cultivated and the number of family members living outside the community (p</jats:p

Training Needs of Agro-dealers in South-west Nigeria

The study identified the training needs of agro-dealers in South-west, Nigeria. A proportionate sampling procedure was used to select 122 agro-dealers for the study. A survey questionnaire and focus group discussion were used to collect data. The data were analysed using percentages, ranked discrepancy scores (RDS) and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The Wilcoxon signed rank test at a 5% level of significance indicated the need for training in good agronomic practices (z= -7.679), planning of demonstration plots (z= -4.434), evaluation of trials (z= -3.818), financial management (z= -3.765), and business planning (z= -2.412). However, the need for training in recording and reporting (z= -0.395), and input ordering and distribution (z= -0.440) were not significant. Agro-dealers need training to develop their knowledge and technical capacity on the agro-inputs they sell, in order to provide up-to-date and authentic information about these products. Therefore, it is crucial to organize more training workshops for agro-dealers on the identified areas of training to improve their knowledge and skills for the services they provide

An Assessment of the Determinants of Moringa Cultivation among Small-Scale Famers in Kwara State, Nigeria

The current rate of micronutrient malnutrition which afflicts over two billion people worldwide calls for a paradigm shift to approaches aimed at linking agricultural production to improved human health, and livelihood. Recent findings indicate the potentials of Moringa tree value-chain development in achieving a sustainable agriculture-agriculture not only aimed at economic prosperity, but equally at nutritional security of small-scale farming households. However, an understanding of factors that influence the cultivation of this crop is important. This study examined the determinants of cultivation of Moringa crop by small-scale farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. It also highlighted the level of awareness of the benefits of the crop among respondents. The study utilized questionnaire to collect data from 150 arable crop farmers through a 3-stage sampling technique. Binary logistic regression model was used in analyzing the data. Results indicate that 47% of the respondents are aware of the nutritional benefits of the crop and 37.3% grow Moringa on their farms. Furthermore, awareness of crop benefits (p=0.021), farming experience (p=0.063), membership of cooperative society (p=0.07) and the growing of other permanent crops (p=0.001); are the significant factors affecting the cultivation of Moringa crop in the study area. The study recommends the promotion of adequate enlightenment as regards the benefits of Moringa. It also encouraged the utilization of cooperative societies in enhancing value-addition to the Moringa crop. Keywords: sustainable agriculture, micronutrient malnutrition, cultivation, Moring

Climate Change Mitigation Activities and Determinants in the Rural Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Nigeria loses about $750 million annually to the depletion of its 350 000 hectares of land by direct human activities and climate change. Consequently, the Sahara Desert has been moving southwards by 600 metres annually. 10 000 farming families have already been forced to move off the degraded land that has become barren. In the light of this, this study examined climate mitigation activities and determinants in Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined climate change knowledge/perception, cost implications and mitigation practices of rural households as well as factors responsible for the level of mitigation activities. 120 household respondents were selected across 8 communities in the Guinea Savannah of Kwara State, Nigeria. Study analytical tools used were descriptive statistics, principal component and Tobit analysis. Results showed that households perceived the effects of increased temperatures, reduced rainfall, desertification, flooding and increased crop pest and disease infestations. Crop harvest losses due to changing climate were large and worrisome. Principal component analysis PCA results implied that prevalent practices undertaken to combat climate change were crude and non-radical. These activities were inorganic and organic fertilizers use, mulching, bush fallow and crude agro-forestry practices. Factors determining the extent of mitigation activities were found to include educational status, type of farming activities and farm size. The study therefore calls for radical efforts at educating the rural masses on climate change devastations and the need for mitigating climate change, use of early maturing crop varieties. Green zone/forest should be developed while tree planting and afforestation should be encouraged and possibly enforced

Improved rice varieties adoption and welfare implications among small-holder farmers in south-west Nigeria: An empirical analysis and prospects for food security

This study examines improved rice variety adoption and its welfare implications among small-holder farmers in South West Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 300 rice-farming households from two selected states. The study used primary data retrieved with the aid of structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using a five-point Likert scale, a logistic regression model, and the multidimensional poverty index (MPI). The study showed that more than half (56%) of the farmers noted that the acceptance of improved varieties was easy, with a mean score of 3.5. The study also established that age (β = -0.0394; p < 0.001), farming experience (β = 0.0758; p < 0.001), and extension contact (β = 1.7203; p < 0.001) were the factors that influenced the adoption of improved rice varieties in the study area. The results of the MPI revealed that indigenous rice farmers were poorer than improved rice-farming households. Overall, 34% of improved and 54% of indigenous rice farming households are multidimensionally poor. MPIs of 0.11 and 0.21 were obtained for improved and indigenous farmers, respectively. The adoption of improved varieties was influenced by socioeconomic factors, and some households cultivating rice were MPI-poor. The study indicated that the adoption of improved varieties can result in improved productivity and reduce the prevalence of poverty in the study area

Improved rice varieties adoption and welfare implications among small-holder farmers in south-west Nigeria: An empirical analysis and prospects for food security

This study examines improved rice variety adoption and its welfare implications among small-holder farmers in South West Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 300 rice-farming households from two selected states. The study used primary data retrieved with the aid of structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using a five-point Likert scale, a logistic regression model, and the multidimensional poverty index (MPI). The study showed that more than half (56%) of the farmers noted that the acceptance of improved varieties was easy, with a mean score of 3.5. The study also established that age (β = -0.0394; p < 0.001), farming experience (β = 0.0758; p < 0.001), and extension contact (β = 1.7203; p < 0.001) were the factors that influenced the adoption of improved rice varieties in the study area. The results of the MPI revealed that indigenous rice farmers were poorer than improved rice-farming households. Overall, 34% of improved and 54% of indigenous rice farming households are multidimensionally poor. MPIs of 0.11 and 0.21 were obtained for improved and indigenous farmers, respectively. The adoption of improved varieties was influenced by socioeconomic factors, and some households cultivating rice were MPI-poor. The study indicated that the adoption of improved varieties can result in improved productivity and reduce the prevalence of poverty in the study area

Prospective Jatropha Curcas based Firms in Nigeria. How Viable?

This study examined the viability of prospective Jatropha based firms vis–a-vis employment opportunities in Nigeria, specifically the study identified the Jatropha bio-diesel and other allied products that were been researched into in Nigeria, estimated the costs and returns structure to Jatropha cultivation and the production of Jatropha based products. For the study, small scale Jatropha based firms were investigated. The results of the study revealed that Jatropha based products manufactured include bio-diesel, Jatropha kernel cake livestock feed, Jatropha ink pigment and dye, glycerine and Jatropha seeds-coat cement sheet and floor tiles. All the various parts of the Jatropha seeds are useful either for one or two of these products. Jatropha cultivation, was shown to be very profitable. Among Jatropha products, only the costs of the biodiesel Jatropha fuel is relative expensive when compared with the common fossil diesel. Based on the study findings, the study calls for the mobilisation of the Nigerian farmers to cultivate Jatropha, Alongside training to intimate the masses of the numerous products and benefits from Jatropha is necessary. They should be trained to manufacture simple Jatropha based necessities like those highlighted in the study. Market accessibility training to farmers and other stakeholders involved should also be embedded in the training. There is also the need to popularize the practicality of using Jatropha to produce these products via workshops and seminars. It is also necessary to step-up steps at introducing these products to the markets so as to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of the Jatropha based firms. Government and also other individuals and stake-holders need ensure the availability of supporting infrastructures for these small holder industries to thrive in the long-run