An assessment of knowledge of farming-related hazards and precautionary practices of farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study assessed knowledge of farming-related hazards and precautionary practices of farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 160 respondents were selected using a multi-stage random sampling  technique. The statistical techniques used for analysis were frequency count, percentages, Pearson Product Moment correlation (PPMC) and Kruskal wallis ranking. The results show common agricultural  production to include maize, yam and cassava. Results also revealed that general body pain  (mean=1213.24), poor/careless use of farm tools (mean=119.41), sickness/ill health (mean=1193.01),  inhaling of dusts from the air (mean=1122.65) and long distance trekking to farm (mean=1114.08) were the top known hazards among farmers in the study area. Field coat/overall (mean=701.69) ranked 1st, rubber boot/old canvas (mean=692.28) ranked 2nd, use of gloves (mean=646.76) ranked 3rd were the common protective equipment used by farmers in the study area. Other precautionary practices such making of environment clean of debris and sharp objects and cutting of trees/sticks deep into roots to  prevent pointed and sharp edges were indicated by 100% of the respondents. Findings further revealed that major constraints to use of protective equipments include; not aware of it importance (80.0%), not convenience while working (62.5%), I was not trained (58.8%). The Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis showed that precautionary practices such as field coat/ overall, cap/Hat, nose mask and eye goggle were statistically significant to farmers knowledge of farming-related hazards. The study therefore recommends the need for education and training of farmers and farm workers to increase their knowledge and practices of farm related occupational hazards in the study area.Keywords: knowledge, precautionary practices, farmers, Kwara state

Irrigation farmers motivation for participating in social networking in North Central Nigeria

The study focused on the motivation of farmers in participating in social networking on the use of irrigations in north central Nigeria.  For the purpose of the study, social networking for this study consist of water users Association, Cooperative Societies, Agricultural  Agency, Farmers Group, Family, Neighbourhood, Religious Group, Community Based Organizations, Non- Governmental Organization and Input Suppliers that are operating within the lower Niger River Basin Authority Irrigation sites at Shonga, Oke-oyi and Ejiba in North Central Nigeria. One hundred and ninety four irrigation farmers were randomly selected from three irrigation farming areas in two states of Kwara and Kogi in north central Nigeria. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The Motivation for undertaking irrigation farming and their level of participation in social networking were measured through a 4-point likert scale while the data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson product moment correlation. The findings showed that all the respondents (100%) were male, 94.6% were married and more than half (54.1%) of the respondents had no formal education, the result revealed family had the highest mean (3.86) based on their level of participation in social networking which was followed by water users association (3.82). Respondents ranked market information (2.47) as the most important contribution of social networking to the use of irrigation while Agricultural Extension Agency (2.85) was ranked as the most effective social networking in providing access to resource for irrigation farming. The result of Pearson product moment correlation revealed that there is significant relationship between their motivation for undertaking irrigation farming and their level of participation in social networking (r= 0.159; p < 0.05). Based on the findings, it is therefore recommended among others that farmers involved in irrigation farming should come together to form functional groups that can access resources for irrigation farming. Key Words: Farmers, Irrigation, Motivation, Social Networkin

Perceived Benefits of National Fadama Development Project III among Rural Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to appraise the perceived benefits of third national fadama development project III among rural farmers in Kwara state, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in selecting 225 Fadama III users as respondents. Data were collected by well trained fadama community facilitators through the use of structured questionnaire and was analyzed through the use of descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result of the findings indicates that majority (36.9%) of the respondents were aged between 46-55 years. Also 63.6% were males, 87.1% were married and only 16.9% had no formal education. Results further showed that maize and Cassava crops were the common crops grown. Advisory services (31%), assets acquisition (32%) and capacity building (25%) were the major were perceived benefits by respondents. Over 33% of respondents, who benefitted directly from Fadama III Project supported activities, have increased their average annual income ranging from N201, 000.00 to N250, 000.00 representing about 62.5% achievement. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) revealed that there is a significant positive correlation at 2-tailed level (p<0.01 and p<0.05) between age, education and the benefit derived from fadama III project. Serious problems to project were poor leadership/management of FCAs/FUGs officers and late release of government counterpart contribution fund. Majority (43.6%) indicated that adequate funding and prompt payment of counterpart fund by government are way out of the problems facing them.Keywords: Fadama III project, Fadama Community Association, Users Group, Kwara Stat

The perception of agricultural extension agents on job motivation in Kwara State Nigeria

This study examined extension agent perception on job motivation in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study engaged  the entire 106 agricultural extension agents in Kwara State. Data were analysed using both Descriptive  Statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results showed that the major perceived  motivating factors among extension agents in Kwara State in descending order were the following:supervision  of work, recognition for good work, feedback from supervision, evaluation of work, salary increment, meeting  with supervisor, promotion prospect, annual leave opportunity, payment of salary at the right time, and good housing opportunity while motivation by pay than money was considered as a minor motivating factor. The  PPMC result showed that significant determinants of job motivation were age (P=0.025), gender (P=0.032), education (0.025), and experience (P=0.032) at P< 0.05. The study recommended among others that the members of staff who perform supervisory roles in the organization should be given more training that places more emphasis on supervision.Keywords: perception, job motivation, extension agent, Kwara state, Nigeri