Correlates of Ill Health Conditions and Farmers’ Productivity in Ilorin East Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

The study examines the ill health conditions experienced and farmers’ productivity in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data were duly obtained using well-structured questionnaire which was administered on eighty farmers. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) analyses were employed. Results however revealed that majority 100%, 85%, 77.5% and 56.25% of respondents have experienced malaria, typhoid fever, diarrhea and stomach ache respectively. Results further indicated that majority 97.5% and 67.5% of respondents who have experienced malaria and typhoid fever patronize modern medical services but 62.5% and 37.5% who have experienced diarrhea and stomach ache access traditional medicine for healing. PPMC analyses showed the ill health experienced by respondent were significant related to their farm size. Results also showed that health care services available for farmers were not significant related to their productivity. The study therefore concludes that malaria and many others diseases and illnesses are ill-health conditions facing farmers in the study area. The study suggests the need for quick health care delivery that will meet the health care need of farmers in the study area, most especially preventive measures to control mosquito. Keywords: Ill-health: farmers: productivity: Ilorin East LGA: Kwara State

Analysis of poultry farmers perception on environmental issues associated with poultry farming in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study examined the poultry farmers perception on environmental issues associated with poultry farming in Kwara State of Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers (ii) determine respondents’ perceptions  of environmental issues associated with poultry farming and (iii) determine the level of farmers’ awareness of environmental protection agency’s activities. A well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from one hundred and twenty five (125) randomly selected commercial poultry farmers from the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Kwara state Chapter. Data were analysed using descriptive statistic and Multiple Regression Analysis. Results of analysis showed that mean age of respondents was 45years, average farm size was 1320 birds and poultry farming experience was 11 years. Also, majority were male (79.2 %), married (83.2%), and had tertiary education (97.6%). The perceptions of farmers on environmental issues was high (mean =3.80). and significantly influenced by farmers’ age (β= 0.225, p < 0.05), level of education (β= 0.178, p < 0.01), farming experience (β= 0.142, p < 0.05), and farm size (β= 0.177, p < 0.05). Level of farmers’ awareness of the activities of environmental protection agency was also low (38.8%) in the study area. The study concluded that poultry farmers’ perception on environmental issues associated with poultry farming was high in the study area. The study recommends among others that this high perception potential could be used as premise by relevant stakeholders or agencies responsible for environmental protection, in providing farmers with appropriate innovations on environmental management and protection. Keywords: Poultry farming, Perception, Environmental issues, Kwara stat

Perceived Effects of Occupational Hazards on Farmers’ Productivity in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study investigated the perceived effects of occupational hazards on farmers’ productivity in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 160 respondents were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency count, percentages as well as Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis for empirical analysis were used. The results show common agricultural production to include maize, yam and cassava. The results also revealed prevalent occupational hazards that include cut/injury from farm tools, malaria due to mosquito bite, and general body pain. The findings further revealed that injury from farm tools and general body pain had high effects on agricultural productivity. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis showed no significant relationship (P<0.05) between selected socio-economic characteristics with the perceived effects of occupational hazards on productivity. Based on the findings, the study concludes that occupational (farming) hazards, most especially general body pain, had negative effects on agricultural productivity. The study recommends that government and relevant agencies should encourage farmers by providing for them protective equipment at subsidized cost through extension agents who will train farmers on their use. Also, public health agents should educate farmers on personal health care practices in order to ensure good health status of farmers. Keywords : perceived effects, occupational hazards, productivity, farmer, Kwara Sate