Comparative Study of Access of Group and Individual Farmer-Clients to Financial Services of Microfinance Institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study compares the access of group and individual farmer-clients to the credit services of microfinance institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study was designed to ascertain specifically the factors that determine access, the reasons for differences in the levels of access by the respondents as well as their perceptions of the effects of the credit guidelines of MFIs on their levels of access. A total of 72 respondents, 36 individuals and 36 groups, were randomly selected for the study. Multiple regression analysis, Levene’s test for equality of means as well as Likert Rating Scale were used for data analysis. Regression result showed that years of experience in farming, size of farm, credit history, size of income from farming, value of collateral, interest rate, compulsory deposit requirement and distance to MFIs affected access for both group and individual clients. Levene’s test for equality of mean scores of the group and the individual clients were statistically significantly (p > 0.05) different. Likert Rating result indicate that MFI credit guidelines such as minimum deposit requirement, interest rate and loan size were perceived as constraints by group clients while individual clients perceived, in addition to these, provision of acceptable surety as hindrances to their access to MFI credit. Group lending option scored better than the individual option suggesting that insistence on group formation still remains a better approach to accessing MFI credit. Keywords: Microfinance, credit access, groups, individual

Farmers’ Perception of Climate Change in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

This study examines farmers’ general understanding of climate change in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State, Nigeria. Data were collected by use of structured questionnaire administered to 420 farmers randomly selected from eight communities in the study area. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data obtained from the survey. A 4-point Likert Rating Scale was used to gauge farmers’ response to 29 perception questions posed in the questionnaire. The result showed that the prevalent changes in climate in the study area are increased temperature, change in patterns of rainfall, uncertain patterns of relative humidity, high sunshine intensity and change in harmattan period. The consequence of climate change included poor health conditions of the farmers as well as poor yields from their farms. The main causes of climate change, by the farmers’ perception, include deforestation, overgrazing of farm lands, blockage of water ways, careless discharge of liquid waste and air pollution from automobile exhaust. The major techniques employed by farmers to mitigate the effects of climate change were planting of more resistant local varieties and diversification of their portfolios. Key words: Farmers, perception, climate, change

Migration, Remittances and Livelihood Systems of Farm Households in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examines the effects of remittances on the livelihood of farm households in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select 120 remittance recipient households used for the study. Data collection was effected by use of structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used in data analysis. The result showed that households whose heads are (1) in the middle to old age (51-70 years) and (2) not highly educated are more likely to produce migrants. Also families with large household sizes (six and above) migrated more. The most frequent channel for remittance delivery was hand carriage and both cash and non-cash remittances were received. Regression result showed that age of household heads as well as their levels of education affected migration. Other factors that affected migration are farm size and household size. The effect of remittance on families livelihood systems was found to be affected by the number of social organisations the household heads belong to, the age of household head, farm size and size of remittance that is invested. Keywords: Remittance, livelihood, farm, households

Making Biotechnology Work for Farmers in Nigeria: The Role of Farmers’ Cooperative Societies

This paper has reviewed the giant strides which biotechnology has made in agricultural development. The paper proposes that to make biotechnology work for farmers in Nigeria there should be a paradigm shift from reaching the farmers with biotechnology packages as individuals to reaching them on the platform of their cooperative societies. The nature of cooperatives and their ability to facilitate access of farmers to biotechnology have also been x-rayed. The paper urges policy makers to explore the opportunities of increasing access to biotechnology through pro-poor farmers’ organisations like farmers cooperative societies. Keywords: Biotechnology, Access, Farmers, Cooperative Societies

Determinants of Access to the Central Bank of Nigeria (Cbn) Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme by Agro-Enterprises in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study which was carried out in Nasarawa State of Nigeria was designed to obtain a first hand assessment of the performance of the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme of the CBN in the state. Sixty agro-enterprises that have received credit from the scheme formed the sample size for the study. Data on the operations of the sixty agro-enterprises as well as their socio-economic characteristics were obtained by use of structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Multiple regression analysis and Likert scale rating were used for data analysis. Results obtained showed that most of the agro-enterprises were young, probably registered to take advantage of the scheme. Owners of the enterprises were also young, fairly well educated and were mostly males. Constraints identified included stringent conditions for access like required asset base, acquisition of an insurance cover and high cost of the facility inspite of a single digit interest rate. It was recommended that the CBN revisits some of the credit guidelines to ensure a wider access to the services of the scheme in the state. Keywords: Access, Commercial Agriculture, Credit Scheme, Agro-enterprise

Determinants of Access to the Central Bank of Nigeria (Cbn) Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme by Agro-Enterprises in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study which was carried out in Nasarawa State of Nigeria was designed to obtain a first hand assessment of the performance of the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme of the CBN in the state. Sixty agro-enterprises that have received credit from the scheme formed the sample size for the study. Data on the operations of the sixty agro-enterprises as well as their socio-economic characteristics were obtained by use of structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Multiple regression analysis and Likert scale rating were used for data analysis. Results obtained showed that most of the agro-enterprises were young, probably registered to take advantage of the scheme. Owners of the enterprises were also young, fairly well educated and were mostly males. Constraints identified included stringent conditions for access like required asset base, acquisition of an insurance cover and high cost of the facility inspite of a single digit interest rate. It was recommended that the CBN revisits some of the credit guidelines to ensure a wider access to the services of the scheme in the state. Keywords: Access, Commercial Agriculture, Credit Scheme, Agro-enterprise

Performance of Watermelon Marketing in Enugu State, Nigeria

Watermelon is one of the most sought-after fruits in tropical Africa because of its delicious taste and nutritional value. Owing to its increasing high demand among consumers, this study analyzes its marketing performance in terms of market structure, marketing margin, marketing efficiency, and profitability. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the selection of 160 respondents used in the study. Primary data were collected using a set of well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, gini coefficient model, net marketing income, and marketing efficiency index. The result of the study shows high level of income inequalities (sales margin) in the distribution of income amongst watermelon marketers and high concentration of watermelon marketers in the study area which indicated high inefficiency in the market structure. The result on market structure showed that there were no barriers to entry at the retail level but there are some barriers at the wholesale level. Profitability analysis showed that the watermelon enterprise is viable. High perishability, lack of credit facilities, and price fluctuations were major challenges that confronted all the marketers in watermelon enterprise. The study recommends provision of credit facilities and infrastructural improvements to reduce the constraints faced by marketers. Keywords: Agricultural marketing, marketing efficiency, marketing channel, market performance, watermelon. DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/62-07 Publication date: November 30th 201

Socio-economic and Institutional Determinants of Watermelon Marketing in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the socio-economic and institutional determinants of watermelon marketing in Enugu state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of watermelon marketers (wholesalers and retailers) and determine the factors influencing the net marketing returns of the marketers. Multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting eight watermelon markets based on the volume of watermelon traded in the markets. Primary data were collected from 160 respondents comprising 96 retailers and 64 wholesalers with the aid of well structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression model. Results showed that watermelon marketing was dominated by the married (76.25%), literates (97.5%) and females (78.13%) with the mean age and marketing experience of 47 and seven years respectively. The determinants of wholesaler’s net marketing income were product price (0.581) and transportation cost (-2.609), while product price (1.501), educational level (-0.584), storage cost (-0.131), packaging cost (-0.077) and market information (0.057) significantly influenced retailer’s net marketing income. Keywords: Socio-economic, institutional factors, watermelon, marketers, Enugu Stat

Socio-economic and Institutional Determinants of Watermelon Marketing in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the socio-economic and institutional determinants of watermelon marketing in Enugu state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of watermelon marketers (wholesalers and retailers) and determine the factors influencing the net marketing returns of the marketers. Multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting eight watermelon markets based on the volume of watermelon traded in the markets. Primary data were collected from 160 respondents comprising 96 retailers and 64 wholesalers with the aid of well structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression model. Results showed that watermelon marketing was dominated by the married (76.25%), literates (97.5%) and females (78.13%) with the mean age and marketing experience of 47 and seven years respectively. The determinants of wholesaler’s net marketing income were product price (0.581) and transportation cost (-2.609), while product price (1.501), educational level (-0.584), storage cost (-0.131), packaging cost (-0.077) and market information (0.057) significantly influenced retailer’s net marketing income. Keywords: Socio-economic, institutional factors, watermelon, marketers, Enugu Stat