Risk Management in Farming Enterprise in Rural Anambra State: Exploring the Financial Institutions’ and Farmers’ Mitigation Strategies.

Risk Management in Agriculture Enterprise in Rural Anambra State from Financial Institutions’ and Farmers perceptive was investigated. The research is as a result of numerous risks associated with agricultural enterprises which increased their inability in loan repayment. Many researchers have neglected this important issue in agricultural funding. To achieve the broad objective of this study, a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 140 agricultural enterprises and 50 Rural Financial Institutions. Relevant data were sourced from both primary and secondary sources. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit regression model. The major findings of the study is Production/yield risks and price risk were highly rated as factors that influence their loan repayment ability. The study also identified diversification as the most practiced form of risk mitigation strategy. In addition, majority of financial institutions used Asset Financing and collateral as risk mitigation strategies. Based on this findings, development of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) that will build on existing social capital in their area of domain is important in reducing the risk associated with lending to Rural Agricultural Enterprise as well as informing Agricultural Entrepreneurs on insurance policies through education and capacity building workshops were major recommendations of the study. Keywords: Risk, rural agricultural enterprise, financial institution

Incidence and determinants of child labour in Nigeria : implications for poverty alleviation

Various official reports have established that child activity options have a link to household poverty. Specifically, research acknowledges a two-way link between child labour and household poverty. Some researchers argue that the increasing participation of children in economic activities is a result of illiteracy and poverty, among other social and economic problems. Others view such participation as an important strategy by poor households to rise above the poverty line. In Nigeria, reports have identified an increasing incidence of child labour, but comprehensive national analyses of the descriptive and causal factors of the child welfare variables - schooling and work-have not been possible until now. This study is therefore expected to fill this gap in knowledge using data from the Nigeria Child Labour Survey, 2001. Among the major conclusions emerging from the study is that there are structural differences in the choice of child activity options across gender, age, sector and zones in Nigeria. Although the evidence of a sector gap exists, the participation of children in economic activity particularly increases in rural areas. In all the measures of poverty used, there are also differences in child activity options across poverty status, which points to poverty as an important variable of child welfare. Finally, there were percentage differences in income contribution across age groups, gender and zones in Nigeria. The econometric estimation noted that some child, parent, household and community variables significantly affect the child activity options. Specifically the age of the child, household composition, education of father, sector, zone and adult income determine child activity options. Most of these contradict or support many of the findings of child labour studies in other developing countries. Based on this it is recommended that for formulating effective policy to reduce child labour in Nigeria, the age of the child, income status of the household, education of the parents, and sector and zone must constitute important variables. Also, awareness campaigns on the cost of child participation in economic activities should be given priority. More importantly, if overall economic conditions are not improved to lift families out of poverty, children will continue to get involved in economic activities to enhance family income, irrespective of any regulatory or legislative prohibitions. Key words: Child labour, poverty, Nigeri

Investigating the role of poultry in livelihoods and the impact of avian flu on livelihoods outcomes in Africa

In this paper we investigate the role of poultry in households’ livelihoods portfolios and the impact of supply-and-demand shocks that may be caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on households’ various livelihoods outcomes in four Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The study countries include Ethiopia and Kenya in East Africa and Ghana and Nigeria in West Africa. These countries represent a spectrum of SSA countries regarding disease status, means of disease spread, and the role of the poultry sector in the economy. By using nationally representative household-level secondary data and discrete choice methods (probit and zero-inflated negative binomial models), we profile the household, farm, and regional characteristics of those households that are most likely to keep poultry and those households that are most likely to be engaged in intensive poultry production (that is, to keep larger household flocks). We estimate the ex ante impact of HPAI outbreaks and scares/threats on livelihoods outcomes by using the propensity score matching approach. The results of this study generate valuable information regarding the role of poultry in the livelihoods of small-scale poultry-producing households and the livelihoods impacts of HPAI-induced supply-and-demand shocks. Such information is critical for the design of targeted, and hence effective, HPAI control and mitigation policies.Agricultural growth and technologies, demand shock, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Livelihoods, probit model, Propensity score matching, supply shock, zero-inflated negative binomial model,

Investigating the Role of Poultry in Livelihoods and the Impact of HPAI on Livelihoods Outcomes in Africa: Evidence from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria

In this paper we investigate the role of poultry in the livelihoods portfolios of households and the impact of supply and demand shocks that may be caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on various livelihoods outcomes of households in four Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The study countries include Ethiopia and Kenya in East Africa and Ghana and Nigeria in West Africa. These countries represent a spectrum of SSA countries in terms of disease status, role of poultry sector and means of disease spread. By using nationally representative household level secondary data and discrete choice methods (probit model and zero inflated negative binomial model) we profile the household, farm and regional characteristics of those households who are most likely to keep poultry, and those who are most likely to be engaged in intensive poultry production, i.e., keep larger household flocks. We estimate the impact of the disease outbreaks and scares/threats on livelihood outcomes by using matching methods (i.e., propensity score matching). The results of this study generate valuable information regarding the role of poultry in the livelihoods of small-scale poultry producing households and the livelihood impacts of HPAI induced demand and supply shocks. Such information is critical for the design of targeted and hence efficient and effective HPAI control and mitigation policies.Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), demand shock, supply shock, livelihoods, probit model, zero inflated negative binomial model, propensity score matching, Livestock Production/Industries,

Factors influencing smallholder adoption of organic agriculture in Southeast geopolitical region of Nigeria

IntroductionOrganic Agriculture is considered one of the promising sustainable agricultural systems that can promote green economy measures, especially in developing countries where smallholder agriculture forms the backbone of the economy. With increasing awareness of the environmental and health benefits of organic foods, there has been an increasing number of studies assessing the demand side (determinants of consumers’ demand for organic products) within the global South. However, there is a dearth of research information on the supply side (e.g., factors influencing smallholder farmers’ willingness to engage in organic agriculture). To scale up organic agriculture among smallholder farmers, there is a need to explore and understand the factors influencing its adoption.MethodsUsing survey data from rural Nigeria, this paper applied Cragg’s double-hurdle model to assess the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adoption of organic farming in the Southeast geopolitical region of Nigeria.ResultsThe result showed that information about organic farming plays a major role in motivating farmers to adopt organic farming. Farmers that know what organic farming entails were found to be 1.31 percent more likely to adopt organic farming and to dedicate 1.23 percent more of their land to organic farming than the farmers that are less aware of organic farming. Similarly, an organized organic marketing structure and a premium on organic products were found to statistically improve the adoption of organic farming. The proportion of land dedicated to organic farming was found to be 2.15 percent more for farmers that received a premium for their organic produce than their counterparts that do not receive a premium for their produce.DiscussionThe findings demonstrated policy actions aimed at certification among smallholder farmers employing organic farming methods can facilitate system-wise organic farming in rural areas. However, the nature of such certification that will not jeopardize the agency of the farmers requires further investigation

Willingness to pay for the production of biogas from poultry waste recycling: Evidence from farmers in Nigeria

Poultry waste management and the energy demand have generated environmental and climate change concerns. Experts have suggested converting poultry waste to biogas energy through recycling to reduce these concerns. Biogas, a poultry waste-recycling product, has yet to gain popularity in Nigeria. However, there is only limited research that has examined awareness of biogas, along with farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for it and their payment capacity (PC). Data generated through focus group discussions with and questionnaires completed by 225 poultry farmers selected through multistage sampling were analysed using descriptive and contingency valuation methods. The study established differentials in the magnitude of determinants of households’ WTP and PC. Farmers’ willingness to pay was mostly responsive to variables tied to the type of farm product and household endowment, while the capacity to pay was tied to income and environmental conditions. The study proposes that policy on farmers’ willingness to pay for biogas from poultry production should take into account differences in the type of poultry product, household endowment, and environmental conditions

Willingness to pay for the production of biogas from poultry waste recycling: Evidence from farmers in Nigeria

Poultry waste management and the energy demand have generated environmental and climate change concerns. Experts have suggested converting poultry waste to biogas energy through recycling to reduce these concerns. Biogas, a poultry waste-recycling product, has yet to gain popularity in Nigeria. However, there is only limited research that has examined awareness of biogas, along with farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for it and their payment capacity (PC). Data generated through focus group discussions with and questionnaires completed by 225 poultry farmers selected through multistage sampling were analysed using descriptive and contingency valuation methods. The study established differentials in the magnitude of determinants of households’ WTP and PC. Farmers’ willingness to pay was mostly responsive to variables tied to the type of farm product and household endowment, while the capacity to pay was tied to income and environmental conditions. The study proposes that policy on farmers’ willingness to pay for biogas from poultry production should take into account differences in the type of poultry product, household endowment, and environmental conditions

Incidence and Determinants of Child Labour in Nigeria: Implications for Poverty Alleviation

African Journal of Economic Policy Vol10(1) 2003: 133-16

DETERMINANTS OF ACCESS AND EXTENT OF USE OF AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE SCHEMES BY SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN KOGI STATE NIGERIA

Research Background: Although, insurance services are offered by the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation and other private companies in Nigeria; however, there has been a low level of involvement of farmers in the purchasing of insurance premiums in Kogi state. The empirical evidence on the factors accountable for the low patronage of the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Schemes (AIS) in Kogi State are not known. The identification of these factors inhibiting the access and use of AIS by farmers and the provision of appropriate and efficient solutions by the relevant stakeholders can mitigate the catastrophic effects of risks and uncertainties on the farmers. Purpose of the article: The research was carried out in order to ascertain the determinants of access and extent of use of AIS by farmers in the study area so as to of provide appropriate and efficient solutions capable of mitigating the catastrophic effects of risks and uncertainties inherent in agriculture on the farmers means of livelihood. This makes the analysis of the level of access and extent of use of and the factors influencing farmers' willingness to participate in the agricultural insurance scheme a compelling necessity. Methods: Data for the study was collected through the help of a well-structured questionnaire administered to 150 farmers whom were selected through a multi-stage random sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and Heckman's two-stage model. Findings and value added: Farmers in the study area were males, literate, and experienced farmers. The determinants of access to AIS were awareness of AIS, age, income, and marital status, while age, awareness of AIS, and income significantly influenced the extent of use of AIS by the farmers in the study area. Farmers in the study area can access and use more of AIS through increased awareness of the insurance scheme as well as increasing farmers’ income level through affordable loan scheme or outright government grants

EFFECTS OF CHILD POVERTY ON CHILD LABOUR AND DEPRIVATION AMONG RURAL FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Both government and non-governmental organisations have been making efforts in the fight against the menace of child labour, child poverty and deprivation. Despite these efforts, 70% of world’s child labour still work in agricultural sector. This study examined the nexus and impact of child poverty, deprivation and other socio-economic variables on child labour among rural farming households in Enugu State of Nigeria. Data for the study were collected using survey research design with the aid of structured questionnaire and interview. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression was applied for data analysis. The result of the study shows that majority (92%) of the farming households were engaged in crop farming, majority (69%) of the children aged between 4 and 17 combined both schooling and agricultural labour. For children who were completely out of school, 5% we found to be idle while 16% engaged in agricultural labour. A significant number of children were engaged in agricultural labour, and 62.3% of them had access to primary school only. About 49.4% of children cannot obtain primary health services. Age, household size and gender of children had positive and significant (p < 0.10) relationship with child labour. We recommended a redesign of poverty alleviation programmes for rural active farmers and public schools make attractive, accessible and affordable in the rural areas