Resource Use Efficiency of Cassava farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study examined the resource use efficiency of cassava farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data collated from 100 farmers selected using a multi stage random sampling technique were subjected to statistical and economic analyses to unveil the pattern of resource use efficiency in cassava enterprise. Result from the ordinary least square multiple regression informed that 92 percent of the variation in cassava output was explained by farm size, fertilizer use, cuttings and labour inputs, with only farm size and cuttings being significant at five percent level. Data on resource use efficiency reveal that the farmers were operating in the second stage of production as regards the use of land (farm size), cuttings and labour, thus, implying decreasing returns to scale, whereas for fertilizer use, they operated within the third stage of the production process as Marginal Physical Product (MPP) was below zero. Based on these findings, the study recommends policies to raise the level of resource use especially through the provision and maintenance of an efficient input delivery system. Keywords: Cassava Farmers, Resource Use Efficiency, Returns to Scale, Marginal Physical Produc

Analysis of Market Participation by Rice Farmers in Southern Nigeria.

The study analyzed the factors affecting market participation by smallholder rice farmers in the study area. A random sampling procedure was employed in selecting the respondents. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and the probit regression model. The results showed the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the small holder rice farmers varied greatly. The probit regression result showed that the level of crop produced, total land size, use of improved seeds, group participation, market information and contractual agreement has positive and significant impact on the ability of household to participate in output market. Lack of timely market information, transport and restricted access to extension agents are some of the problems associated with smallholder farmers in the study area. Based on the findings of the study some policy implications are discussed. KEYWORDS:Market participation, Small holder rice farmers, Market information, Output marke

Consumer Purchasing Behaviour for Fruits and Vegetables among Civil Servants in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Despite the increased awareness of the importance of fruits and vegetables to healthy living, low fruit and vegetable intake has been a widespread characteristic among Nigerians. The purpose of this study was to analyze the determinants of consumer purchasing behaviour for fruits and vegetables in Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Its objectives were to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, assess the various factors responsible for consumption and preference, quantify the impact of determinants influencing the frequency of fruits and vegetables purchase, as well as make suggestions and recommendations based on the findings. To achieve the purpose of this study, a multi stage sampling was used. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw sixty-five respondents from an already stratified sample according to the grade level of civil servants. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using simple statistical techniques such as frequency and percentages. Polychotomous ordered probit regression model was also employed. Results from the ordered probit regression indicated that frequency of monthly purchase of fruits and vegetables was significantly determined by the monthly income while other variables such as age, sex, marital status and educational level had no significant effect on the frequency of monthly purchase. Hence, government should lay more emphasis on increasing the per capita income of low income earners and also focus more on increasing local production of these food items in order to ensure their availablity at affordable prices. Keywords: Determinants, Consumer Behaviour, Fruits and Vegetables, Consumer Preferenc

Income Analysis of Farmers with and without Access to Credit in Southern Agricultural Zone, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the differences in income farmers with and without access to credit in Southern Agricultural Zone, Nasarawa State. Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; Identify and describe the various sources of information regarding access to credit, determine the income levels of farmers with access and without access to credit,compare farmers with access and those without access to credit in the study area and identify constraints to access to credit by farmers. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample of one hundred and eight (108) respondents. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency, percentages and t-test. The study revealed that there was a significant difference between income of farmers without credit and those without credit. Majority of the farmers with access to credit were within the income levels of N200,000 and above representing 61.1%, while majority of those without access to credit are within income levels of less than N200,000 and accounted for 83.4%. Some of the constraints identified include; Risk associated to agriculture due to crop/livestock failure (23.66%), Uncertainties associated to price fluctuation of agricultural products (18.32%), Inadequacy of the amount to be given (15.78%), Fear of harassments (11.45%) and Formalities/bureaucracy associated to acquiring credit (11.2%). However, despite these problems, some small-scale farmers still to produce food for own consumption and some surplus for the market. This study therefore recommends that government at all levels as well as other credit delivery institutions should take more pragmatic steps in providing regular and sustained financial support for small-scale farmers in order to improve their s economic activities. This will ensure increased production and a boost in agriculture over a long period of time. Government policies also need to be re-directed on government sponsored and guaranteed agricultural financing schemes that could favour the smallholder farmers who are the prime producers of food crops in Nigeria both for consumption and export

Economics of small-scale maize production in Toto local government area, Nasarawa state, Nigeria

The study examined the economics of small-scale maize production in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was adopted for the data collection. Descriptive statistics, regression and gross margin analyses were used to analyse the data collected. The study revealed that majority of the respondents were within the active working age and most of them (83%) were male. The majority of the respondents were married and had a household size of five persons and farm size of 1-2ha. Results of the regression analysis revealed that the output of small-scale maize farmers was influenced by farm size, marital status and annual income at 1% and 5% respectively. A gross margin of N170,594.50 was earned from one hectare of maize farm with a return per naira invested of 2.40. The cost of labour constituted a greater proportion of the costs of production, accounting for about 58.38% and 39.52% of the total variable cost and the total cost respectively, the total cost. The problems militating against maize production in the study area were high cost of labour, pests and diseases, inadequate storage facilities, inadequate capital, marketing problems, transportation, poor access to credit facilities and high cost of inputs. The study, therefore, recommends that farmers should be properly educated by the extension agents on pest and disease control measures. Moreover, inputs should be made available to farmers at subsidized rates by relevant stakeholders.Keywords: Maize, costs, returns, problems, small-scale, productio

Evaluation of the operational performance of the Nigerian agricultural cooperatives and rural Development bank (nacrdb) in cross river state

This study examined the performance of farmers in Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative and Rural Development Bank (NACRD5. in terms of repayment in Cross River State. Specifically the study analyzed lending and loan characteristics, constrants to repayment, repayment performance and compare repayment between crop and poultry farmers. Purposive and random sampling procedures were used to select 270 respondents using both primary and secondary data to accomplish the objectives. Data analyses included the use of mean, frequencies, percentages and the t-test. The study showed that the institution considered was characterized by untimely delivery of loan owing to complicated. Cumbersome and time consuming procedures in loan processing/ approval decision and amount of loan disbursed. The comparison between crop and poultry producers revealed that crop producers repaid their loan more than their poultry counterparts. The study recommended that timely disbursement policies that increase the accessibility of farmers to loan should be adopted and this would be an effective measure to aid flow of funds into the agricultural sector