Determinants of seasonal arable crop production among selected farmers in Ogun State

The study, was conducted with a view to identify factors influencing the choice of crop production and seasonal cropping activities of the farm households. A multistage random sampling procedure was used to select 200 arable crop farmers across the four operational zones, comprising Abeokuta, Ilaro, Ikenne and Ijebu, in Ogun State. Information on crop production and factors determining the seasonal cropping activities of the farmers was obtained through the use of interview schedule and focus group discussion. It was found that, factor such as the onset and duration of rainfall distribution, farming experience, available farm labour and funds determine the timing of seasonal cropping activities of the farmers. Other factors such as the need for household consumption, high market value and suitability of the agroclimate influence the choice of arable crops produced by the farmers. Although, the farmers realised a low average yield of 1.7metric tonnes of Maize per hectare and 10 metric tonnes of cassava per hectare, they can still have their productivity improved, by adopting good farm management practices.Keywords: determinant factors, arable crops; seasonal crop production, crop yield Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 5(1) 2004: 49-5

Agricultural workers’ perception of information and communication technology usage for agricultural development in Southwest Nigeria

The study was conducted with a view to establishing the extent to which agricultural researchers, extension agents and rural farmers perceived the use of ICT for transformation of the Nigeria’s agricultural system. A total of 465 respondents, consisting of 113 researchers and 146 extension agents were randomly selected, using the available sampling frame. A non-probability point of saturation method was used to select 224 rural farmers. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the agricultural workers on their socioeconomic characteristics and perceptions of ICT usage for agricultural Development. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that the agricultural researchers had a very high perception of ICT usage for agricultural development. The extension agents and rural farmers had a high perception of ICT usage. The regression result showed that researchers’ and extension agents’ levels of education significantly influenced their perception of ICT usage for agricultural activities. Rural farmers’ perception of ICT usage for agricultural activities was significantly influenced by their age. The ANOVA test of differences among the agricultural workers’ perception of ICT usage for agricultural development showed no significant difference. It was concluded that with necessary ICT facilities in place, the agricultural researchers, extension agents and rural farmers, are all likely to harness the potentials of communication-driven technologies for enhancement of agricultural development in southwest Nigeria

Estimation of rainfall indices for the determination of length of growing season and timing of arable crop cultivation in Ogun State

The study assessed the rainfall distribution pattern over the last 25 years (1989-2004) to determine the length of growing season and timing of arable crop cultivation in Ogun State. Secondary rainfall data was obtained from the four meteorological stations in the State and subjected to arithmetic calculations for estimation of raindays, drydays and rainfall variability in the study areas. The results show that the month of March marks the onset of rainy season in the State while October marks its cessation. Out of the growing period of 208 days, 88 days were observed as having sufficient rainfall (0.25mm and above) per day. Based on Seasonality Index (S.I) of 0.32 and monthly and annual coefficient of variability of less than 50 percent and 20 percent, respectively, estimated for the study area, it was ascertained that the raindays were well spread out through the months of the rainy season. Observed high frequencies of 2 and 4 dryday spells suggest that rainfall will take place mostly after 2 or 4 successive days of no rain. In the light of this, it was concluded that rainfall situation in Ogun State will favourably support arable crop cultivation and as such land preparation should be completed by mid-April and followed by seed sowing between then and early May. Keywords: Rainday; dryday spell; rainfall variability length of growing season, and timing of arable crop cultivationMoor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 7 (1&2) 2006 pp. 56-6