Analysis of the factors influencing farmers' adoption of alley farming technology under intensified agriculture in Imo State, Nigeria; using a qualitative choice model

This study analyzed factors that influence farmers' alley farming technology adoption behaviours in the intensified land use systems of Imo State, Nigeria. A logit econometric model was used to quantify and analyze data obtained from 480 randomly selected farm households from 12 agriculturally intensified autonomous communities in Imo State. The results show that younger farmers between the ages of 18 and 44 years, cultivating at least 0.7 hectares of land, which they have control over its allocation and usage had higher probabilities of adopting alley-farming technology than their older counterparts. Adoption decisions increased with increased contacts of farmers with extension agents working on the agro-forestry technology, farmers' level of formal education, ownership and control over cultivated lands, length of land lease, membership and participation in the activities of farmers' associations, and farm sizes above the sample mean farm size of 0.7 hectares. Adoption rates are lower among female farmers than males, and decreased with increased family sizes and population induced land scarcity conditions. The study confirms the importance of recognizing the heterogeneity of the farming population not only in terms of differences in the biophysical conditions of their farms but also in the socio-economic and demographic conditions under which they operate, in targeting agro-forestry extension programs for maximum impacts. The results show that qualitative choice modelling using farmers' socio-economic and demographic variables can lead to more precision in targeting farmer categories for the achievement of accelerated alley farming technology adoption rates. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 35 (2) 2006: pp. 158-17

Variety Characteristics And Cassava Adoption Among Rural Households In Imo State.

This study investigated the factors contributing to low levels of adoption of improved cassava varieties in Imo State. A sample of 120 respondents was randomly selected for the study and interviewed using structured questionnaire. Empirical analysis was based on a farm household model, which explicitly incorporates variety characteristics into the households\' optimization process. A multitude of variety characteristics and some household socio -economic characteristics were considered. Results indicated that certain variety and economic characteristics are important determinants of variety choice, and that inadequate extension information and improved input distribution system may be important limiting factors to adoption of improved cassava varieties. Key words: Variety Characteristics, Cassava Adoption, rural households Journal Of Agriculture And Social Research Vol. 5 (1) 2005: 33-4

The Development And Adoption Of Improved Land Management Practices Under The Intensified Agricultural Production System In Anambra State, Nigeria

In present day Anambra State, increased population densities, growing food and market demands, urbanization, proximity to major road infrastructure, soil conditions and deterioration in quality of land for agricultural purposes have brought about reduced agricultural productivity. These changes have resulted to increasing socio-economic pressure on land and differential access to farmland and intensification of cultivation with far-reaching consequences for land-use management practices and the sustainability of the agricultural system. Severe soil fertility and productivity decline, ecological damages including soil erosion losses, flood and gullies are some of the out comes of the uncontrolled land-use and agricultural intensification in the state. These problems might worsen in future due to the fragile, heavily weathered and leached nature of the soil. This situation can only be corrected by the incorporation of improved soil conservation practices in our farming system through acceleration of farmer\'s adoption rates of the recommended innovations

Effect of information sources on production of improved crop varieties among farmers in River State

The importance of information to agricultural development cannot be overemphasized. Without the right information there cannot be meaningful agricultural development. This study investigated the effect of information sources on production of improved crop varieties among farmers in Rivers State. Data was collected from 130 randomly selected farmers and data analysis was by the use of frequency, percentage, mean and chi-square. Findings reveled that friends/relations was the most utilized source of information among farmers. Significant relationship was found between friends/relations and source of information and production of improved crop varieties. It was recommended that in as much as informal sources of information should be encouraged, extension contacts should be intensified.Keywords: information sources, improved crop varietiesJournal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol 3(1) 2005: 15-2

Nature of management and employee relationship in selected agricultural development organisations

This study investigates the nature of management and employee relationship in selected Agricultural organizations in Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertains perception of employees about management and other staff members' perception of their relationship with their employees. Data was collected from 140 randomly selected respondents made up of 47 management staff and 93 employees in selected organizations in the study area with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data analysis was by use of frequency and percentage. From the findings of the study, employees perceived that the relationship between them and their employers was not very cordial because specific situations like operating in a conducive environment was rated low among staff. Apart from this it was found also that employers exhibited uncompromising behaviour and do not care much about staff welfare.Keywords: management, employer-employee, relationship agricultural development organizationsJournal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol 3(1) 2005: 21-2

Adoption Of Improved Maize Varieties In Imo State As A Two – Stage Decision Process

This paper analyzes the appropriateness of certain statistical techniques in technology adoption studies, and suggests following empirical evidence, that a two –stage probit model may most times be more useful. The model allows for a flexible specification of the process of technology adoption from one stage to two stages, facilitates the modeling of non-adopters and puts right the violation of full information. An application of the model to the adoption of improved maize varieties in Imo state revealed that the two-stage probit model is superior to the univariate probit model having produced a better maximum log- likelihood value and more significant variables. It is therefore recommended for modeling adoption studies. Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol.1(1) 2005: 91-9

Effect of socioeconomic characteristics of field extension workers on their job performance

No Abstract. Journal of Agriculture and Social Research Vol. 7 (2) 2007: pp. 79-8

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Imo State fisheriers extension programme

This study evaluated the Imo State Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Extension Programmes. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 15 randomly selected extension staff and 200 proportionately selected fish farmers from the three fisheries zones of the state between November 1997 and February 1998. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Z-test and multiple regressiion analysis. Results show that the fisheries extension service made successful initial educational contact with a reasonable number of fish farmers, but the regularity of contact and provision of needed fisheries input was below expectation leading to low level of adoption of fisheries technologies. Adoption behaviour of fish farmers was significantly related to most of the personal and farm enterprise characteristics of farmers. The success of agricultural policies on sustainable productivity and fisheries development in Nigeria depends to a large extent on the consideration of the important personal and farm enterprise characteristics of fish farmers which influence technology adoption. (J Agric & Soc Res:2003 3(2): 108-125

Perceived Factors Affecting Performance Of Extension Workers In Imo State, Nigeria

The study focused on perceived factors affecting performance of extension workers in Imo State, Nigeria. Data for the study was collected from 83 Extension agents from the Imo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). Results of the study revealed that the organizational factors that affect performance are mobility/logistic factors, job design and Administration. It is therefore recommended that Agricultural extension agents should be encouraged to develop a meaningful work experience. There is need to recruit adequate number of extension agents. International donor agencies involved in agricultural development should ensure adequate budgetary arrangement to accommodate extra costs involved in extension agents participation activities. The Agricultural Development Programme should show more concern for staff welfare to enhance adequate commitment to organizational goal and Extension Service generally. Government should take measures to improve working conditions of the field agents through provision of transport allowances, monthly salaries and provision of infrastructural facilities in the rural areas to enable the extension agent live in their place of work. Field agents must be part of decisions concerning their personal welfare and job advancement. Keywords: performance, extension workersGlobal Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 21-2

Determinants Of Job Satisfaction Of Field Extension Workers In Enugu State Agricultural Development Programme

Factor analysis was used to isolate the determinants of job satisfaction of field extension workers in Enugu State Agricultural Development Programme. Data was collected from 42 randomly selected respondents with the aid of structured questionnaire. Findings of the study showed that majority (about 58%) of the respondents were aged between 31 – 40 years, and most of the field extension workers (about 70%) had at least HND or B.Sc. as their highest educational qualification. About 86% of the extension workers were married, while majority of them (about 71%) had between one and ten years experience on the job. Three major factors were identified as strong determinants of job satisfaction of the field extension workers namely interpersonal relationship, organizational policies, and conditions of service. The study revealed that attainment of certain policy issues depends largely on interpersonal relationship in the organization. Issues found to be closely linked with organizational policies include organizational objectives being clearly defined; promotions being based on merit, provision of working materials, provision of fringe benefits and provision of vehicle refurbishing loans. Finally issues found to be very important influencing variables under conditions of service were availability of in-service training opportunities; payment of contract additions and incentives to direct and seconded staff respectively and job security. It was therefore recommended that ADP management should create avenues for open/free communications vertically and horizontally, access to decision making by subordinates, recognition and attention to genuine personal problems of workers, friendly working atmosphere, among others. ADP management should pay serious attention to issues concerning workers' welfare. Keywords: job satisfaction, extension workers, Agricultural Development Programme Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (2) 2007: pp. 160-16