Resource Use Efficiency of Millet/Cowpea Intercropping in Niger State, Nigeria

The study examined the profitability and resources-use efficiency of millet/cowpea mixed farmers production in Niger state Nigeria. The primary data for the study was obtained using structured questionnaire administered to 80 randomly sampled farmers in Kotangora Local Government Area of Niger State. Farm budgeting technique and exponential production function were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the estimated gross margin, net farm income, gross ratio, operating ratio and returns on investment are N57,542.42 per hectare, N54,240.40 per hectare, 0.37, 0.31 and 2.15. The regression result shows that seed and family labour were statistically significant at 1% level of probability, while farm size and hired labour were statistically significant at 5% level of probability. The allocative efficiency results show that seeds, family labour and agrochemicals were under-utilized. Farm size and hired labour were over-utilized. Efficiency and productivity could be improved if the farmers use more seed, family labour, agrochemicals, less of hired labour and land.Crop Production/Industries,

Optimum production plan for maize-based crop farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

The study tried to address optimum production plan for maize-based crop farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Primary data were collection with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting a total of 133 farm households engaged in maize-based crop production. The results showed that maize-based arable crop production in the study area is predominantly male activity, with a mean age of 37 years. The average household size of the respondents was 5 persons. Majority (86.46%) of the farmers had one form of formal education ranging from tertiary, primary, secondary and adult education. Also, 81.95% of the farmers earned less than ₦100,000 per annum from off-farm activities. An average farmer had 20 years of farming experience and cultivated 1.88 ha of land. Linear programming solution prescribed maize/soybeans on 1.1988 ha and maize/cowpea on 0.0468 ha respectively in the optimum farm plans for the farmers. It also indicated gross margin could be increased from ₦120,122.73 ha−1 in the existing crop production plan to ₦211,555.70 ha−1 in the prescribed optimum crop production plan. It was concluded that production inputs were not optimally utilized and that crop mixtures were in a better competitive position than sole crop to increase the farmers’ income in maize-based crop production systems in Niger State. It was recommended that farmers should produce crop mixtures maize/soybeans and maize/cowpea based on their hectarage allocation as prescribed in the optimum farm plans and that farm advisory services should give attention to optimum cropping patterns towards promoting increased agricultural productivity among farmers.Keywords: linear programming, sole crop, crop mixtures, incom

Adoption of Improved Rice Varieties among Small- Scale Farmers in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract The study broadly aims at providing information on the adoption of improved rice varieties among small-scale farmers in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger state, Nigeria. The study was conducted in 2007 cropping season. Data were generated from a sample of 100 farmers using questionnaire. Results indicated a high rate of awareness of improved rice varieties. The main sources of information were radio and extension agents. The major reasons for non-adoption of improved rice varieties are that they are expensive and non- availability of the input. The study recommends policies that would strengthen the existing media and extension services. Also, improved rice varieties and other input that could enhance farmers output be made available to the farmer at affordable prices

Analysis of effectiveness of social capital formation among fishing households in Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria

This study examined the effectiveness of social capital formation on the livelihood of fisher - folks in fishing households in Kainji Lake Basin of Niger State. Multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of 290 respondents. The Specific objectives are to: i. describe the socio-economic characteristic of the respondents; ii. assess the level of fisher-folk awareness of social capital formation; iii. identify sources of information about social capital formation, and iv. determine effect of social capital formation on fisher-folks households: Data were collected with questionnaire complemented with interview guide. Both descriptive and inferential statistics was employed. Result showed that the mean age of respondents was 42 years; majority (95.2%) were male. More than half (59.2%) had no formal education, 93.7% were married. The mean year of cooperatives was 9 years. The mean year of fishing experience was 22 years, and less than half (45.1%) were members of fish farmers organization. Majority of fisher-folk household had high awareness on bonding (78.6%) while bridging was (76.9%) with linking of (77.6%). Relatives, friends and neighbours (59.7%), were the major sources of information available to the respondents about fishing activities. The social capital formation on bonding relationships shows that (family members, friends and relatives, neighbours) involved closed tie relationship among the fisher-folks was found to be effective, social capital formation on bridging relationships that involved (social groups, organizations and associations within a community) among the fisher-folks was also found to be effectives, social capital formation on linking that involves relationships (between community groups, residents/tenants association, governmental partnership) among the fisher-folks was found to be effective in enhancing active participation in volunteers services, reciprocity and trust among various fisher-folks groups. Regression result shows that household size, experience, and income influenced the effectiveness of social capital formation. Therefore, in conclusion the null hypothesis was rejected, while the alternative hypothesis was accepted. There was high awareness of bonding, bridging and linking social capital by the respondents Therefore, there is need to promote social ties either horizontally or vertically in order to access services that will enhance the economic well-being of the respondents.Keywords: Network Social Capital formatio

Resource Use Efficiency of Millet/Cowpea Intercropping in Niger State, Nigeria

The study examined the profitability and resources-use efficiency of millet/cowpea mixed farmers production in Niger state Nigeria. The primary data for the study was obtained using structured questionnaire administered to 80 randomly sampled farmers in Kotangora Local Government Area of Niger State. Farm budgeting technique and exponential production function were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the estimated gross margin, net farm income, gross ratio, operating ratio and returns on investment are N57,542.42 per hectare, N54,240.40 per hectare, 0.37, 0.31 and 2.15. The regression result shows that seed and family labour were statistically significant at 1% level of probability, while farm size and hired labour were statistically significant at 5% level of probability. The allocative efficiency results show that seeds, family labour and agrochemicals were under-utilized. Farm size and hired labour were over-utilized. Efficiency and productivity could be improved if the farmers use more seed, family labour, agrochemicals, less of hired labour and land