The study was conducted with the broad objective of determining the level of adoption of sustainable
agricultural practices (SAPs) among farmers in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Multistage, random, and systematic sampling procedures were employed to select 160 respondents for
the study. The collected data were analyzed using relevant descriptive and inferential statistics suitable
for each objective. The result showed that majority of the respondents were females who were married,
having a mean age of 43 years and mean number of years of experience of 17. Majority of them acquired
secondary school education while practicing Christianity and were engaged in the production of both crops
and animals (mixed farming), having mean farm size of 0.8 ha in scattered plots and mean annual income
of N71,400 which was regarded as low income. Most of the farmers were not members to any farmers’
cooperative society. The predominant SAPs adopted included crop rotation, compost manure, and use of
tolerant varieties. Furthermore, socioeconomic characteristics of the rural farmers were observed to have
strong influence on adoption of SAPs by the farmers. The constraints to the adoption of SAPs among farmers
were socioeconomic, political, and institutional. The null hypothesis tested using F-test was rejected at 5%
level of significance. Consequently, it was concluded that socioeconomic characteristics of farmers actually
influenced adoption of SAPs, though there were identified constraints that limited the level of adoption
of such SAPs which if mitigated will improve adoption of the SAPs. Based on the study findings, the
policy recommendations were that relevant agencies should ensure vigorous dissemination of information
to farmers on available windows to low interest rate agricultural credit facilities by the government; reform
in land tenure system should be facilitated to support adoption of SAPs; Nigerian agricultural extension
program should be restructured to reflect sustainable agricultural context and emphasis; and farmers should
be encouraged to seek meteorological information to minimize risks from adverse weather conditions. This
will encourage adoption of SAPs and ensure that maximum result is achieved.
Adoption of banana tissue culture in Uganda still remains low despite the availability of policies geared to enhancing agriculture. A survey was carried out on 115 smallholder farmers in Central Uganda to establish the influence of agro-related policies in tissue culture banana adoption between January and July 2018. Results from the study indicated that 83.8% of the respondents were aware about the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture policy as compared to National Agricultural Policy (5.5%), National Development Plan (13.12%) and Agricultural Sector Development Strategy and Investment Plan (3.3%). Age, gender and education level all exhibited weak correlations in relation to policy awareness while generally, the study found out that awareness of the of the policies did not significantly influence farmer’s adoption of tissue culture banana in central Uganda (P>0.05). We conclude that most of the agro-related polices were on paper and minimal efforts were in place to enhance their awareness amongst small holder farmers. We therefore recommend that increased awareness of agro-related policies to the farmers as well as integration of farmer interests in policy formulation are paramount in order to achieve wide uptake of agro-technologies like banana tissue culture.
Adapting to green agricultural economy: experiences from small-scale farmers ...Julius Huho
Kenya is prone to frequent droughts that are occasionally followed by flash floods. With agriculture being the mainstay of the economy, droughts and floods results in frequent loss of livelihoods and chronic food insecurity forcing farmers to adopt various uptake of green agricultural economy strategies in Murang’a County in Kenya. The objectives of the study were (i) to establish the form of green agricultural economy adopted (ii) to examine the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of the adopted strategies. A total of 48 farmers from eight sub-counties of Murang’a and two key informants were interviewed. The study established that all farmers practiced at least one form of green agriculture ranging from cons mulching, use of zai pits, and minimum tillage to practices that enhanced food production such as use of organic farm manure and value addition. Also some of the practices adopted such as growing of fruit trees and other types of trees mitigated climate change. From the green agricultural practices, farmers achieved socioeconomic benefits which included self through sale of fruits and fodder and conserved the environment by reducing lands the amount of CO2 sequestered. From the findings the study concluded that the practice of green economy in the County was affordable and enhanced household income and food security in a sustainable way. The study therefore recommends e development of new strategies that are suitable and affordable to the small building towards this end will enhance the adaptation rate.
Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change: The Case of Ank...Premier Publishers
Climate change is posing serious environmental, economic, and social impacts in the study area where people’s livelihoods depend on agriculture. This study was initiated to identify the existing adaptation strategies persuaded by smallholder farmers, and factors affecting the choices of adaptation strategies against climate change in Ankesha Guagusa district. Primary data were collected from a randomly selected 156 sample households in the district through interview method and focus group discussion whereas secondary data were collected from different organizations and published sources. Descriptive statistics, and econometric model were employed to achieve the stated objectives. The result of multivariate probit model showed that the likelihood of households to adopt irrigation, improved crop varieties, adjusting planting date, use crop diversification, and soil and water conservation practices were 46.79%, 52.26%, 45.51%, 69.68% and 78.20%, respectively. The result also shows that the joint probability of using all adaptation strategies was 11.53% and the joint probability of failure to adopt all of the adaptation strategies was 7.7%. The model result also confirms that sex, educational level, family size, livestock holding, land holding, off/non-farm income, farm income, extension contact, credit used, access to climate information, distance to market, and agro-ecological zone had significant effect on climate change adaptation strategies. Therefore, future policies shall focus on the smallholder farmers’ technical capacity through adult education system, and on updated extension services, improving credit facilities, irrigation facilities, farm and off-farm income earning opportunities, and use of new crop varieties that are more suited to the local environment.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Agricultural Technologies (IATs) amo...Premier Publishers
The study examined factors influencing adoption of improved agricultural technologies (IATs) among smallholder farmers in rural communities of Kaduna State.The study was conducted in Giwa and Sabon-gari Local Government Areas. Three objectives guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select the farming communities for the study. Two rural communities (Bassawa and Shika) were purposely selected out of 16 villages primarily because of their age-long agricultural technologies. The sample size of the study was 200 smallholder farmers made up of 100 farmers from each of the communities which were purposively selected. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule, focus group discussion and in-depth interview while the secondary data which relate to the objectives of the study were collected from the office of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) and National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), ABU, Zaria. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentages. Results from the findings of the study revealed a positive significant (p<0.05) influence on adoption of agricultural technology and farmers’ educational levels, gender and age also had a positive significant influence on the adoption of technology. Therefore, the following recommendations were made: there is need to increase farmers’ capital and credit facilities and make funds accessible to the farmers. Also, it is therefore imperative for Government to ensure that policies that support the adoption of improved agricultural technologies are put in place.
Effect of Yam-Based Production on Food Security Status of Farm Households in...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— The study assessed the effect of yam-based production on the food security status of farm households in Edo south, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, analyse the contribution of yam-based production to the income profile of the households, estimate their mean per capita daily calorie intake and examine the determinants and the probability of households being food secured.
A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 120 farm households from Edo South agro-ecological zone of Edo-State data were collected with the aid of well – structured interview schedule on households socio-economic variables which included sex, age, marital status, level of education, farm size, household size and household income and expenditure profile among others. Data collected were analyzed by appropriate statistical analysis which included frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Logit regression model.
The results showed that 97 males, represented majority of the households with (80.8%) and females 23, represented 19.2%of the house heads. The mean age of household reads was 50 years, of which (92.5%) of them were married, 53% owned houses and 58% had farming experience of 11.20 years the mean household size was estimated as seven persons with a mean farm size of 1.35 hectares. The mean annual household income in the study area was estimated as N 496.850.88 out of which farm income contributed N 62.4307, and off income contributed (37.57%). The mean monthly household expenditure was N 40,934.31 out of which food expenditure accounted for 40 .22%. The results also showed that the area was fairly food -secured with 52.5% being food secured and 47.67 being food insecure with mean per capita calorie intake of 36,okcal and 120.2 kcal respectively.
Finally, the results also revealed that three variables in the logit model were significant in explaining variation in the food security status of the households. These are farm size, form income and off-income. It was recommended that government should provide bigger plot of land for those farmers who are determined to take farming as business.
The abstract should summarize the content of the paper. Try to keep the abstract below 250 words. Do not make references nor display equations in the abstract. The journal will be printed from the same-sized copy prepared by you. Your manuscript should be printed on A4 paper (21.0 cm x 29.7 cm). It is imperative that the margins and style described below be adhered to carefully. This will enable us to keep uniformity in the final printed copies of the Journal. Please keep in mind that the manuscript you prepare will be photographed and printed as it is received. Readability of copy is of paramount importance.
Impact Assessment of Agroforestry Practices on Community Socio-Economic Livel...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Agroforestry is the source of energy for cooking, materials for construction, domestic utensils and other products and services including fruits, medicine, livestock, feeding and fencing. This study aimed to assess the impact of agroforestry practices on community"s socioeconomic livelihoods in Karongi district, western Rwanda. The authors interviewed 45 Agroforestry Practioners (AFP) and 45 Non-Agroforestry Practioners (NAFP) from 8 cells randomly selected between July and September 2019.The data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20. The result, as asserted by 100 % of AFP, the Grevillea robustae was the frequently planted specie on contours and terraces due to its contribution on improving soil fertility and protecting the soil against erosion. The inheritance of land is the main mode of getting lands as mentioned by 69% and 62% of AFP and NAFP, respectively. In addition, it was noted that the number of reared goat, cattle and poultry is higher for the AFP than that of NAFP. Furthermore, the AFP" mean yearly income and its uses (food security, agriculture and household building) is significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to that of NAFP. Thus, in Karongi District, the agroforestry significantly enhances its practioner"s livelihoods. This study can serve as guide to other similar areas in adopting the agroforestry.
the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Sri Lanka Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA) summoned a symposium on “Convergence of policies and programs for sustainable and climate resilient agriculture and role of agricultural economics association in contemporary world” on December 13, 2014 as part of Joint Annual Research Forum at Hectare Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The aim of the symposium was to bring together researchers from South Asian countries to present the policy measures taken within their countries regarding climate –smart agriculture and to explore the convergence among them for the near future.
Adoption of banana tissue culture in Uganda still remains low despite the availability of policies geared to enhancing agriculture. A survey was carried out on 115 smallholder farmers in Central Uganda to establish the influence of agro-related policies in tissue culture banana adoption between January and July 2018. Results from the study indicated that 83.8% of the respondents were aware about the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture policy as compared to National Agricultural Policy (5.5%), National Development Plan (13.12%) and Agricultural Sector Development Strategy and Investment Plan (3.3%). Age, gender and education level all exhibited weak correlations in relation to policy awareness while generally, the study found out that awareness of the of the policies did not significantly influence farmer’s adoption of tissue culture banana in central Uganda (P>0.05). We conclude that most of the agro-related polices were on paper and minimal efforts were in place to enhance their awareness amongst small holder farmers. We therefore recommend that increased awareness of agro-related policies to the farmers as well as integration of farmer interests in policy formulation are paramount in order to achieve wide uptake of agro-technologies like banana tissue culture.
Adapting to green agricultural economy: experiences from small-scale farmers ...Julius Huho
Kenya is prone to frequent droughts that are occasionally followed by flash floods. With agriculture being the mainstay of the economy, droughts and floods results in frequent loss of livelihoods and chronic food insecurity forcing farmers to adopt various uptake of green agricultural economy strategies in Murang’a County in Kenya. The objectives of the study were (i) to establish the form of green agricultural economy adopted (ii) to examine the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of the adopted strategies. A total of 48 farmers from eight sub-counties of Murang’a and two key informants were interviewed. The study established that all farmers practiced at least one form of green agriculture ranging from cons mulching, use of zai pits, and minimum tillage to practices that enhanced food production such as use of organic farm manure and value addition. Also some of the practices adopted such as growing of fruit trees and other types of trees mitigated climate change. From the green agricultural practices, farmers achieved socioeconomic benefits which included self through sale of fruits and fodder and conserved the environment by reducing lands the amount of CO2 sequestered. From the findings the study concluded that the practice of green economy in the County was affordable and enhanced household income and food security in a sustainable way. The study therefore recommends e development of new strategies that are suitable and affordable to the small building towards this end will enhance the adaptation rate.
Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change: The Case of Ank...Premier Publishers
Climate change is posing serious environmental, economic, and social impacts in the study area where people’s livelihoods depend on agriculture. This study was initiated to identify the existing adaptation strategies persuaded by smallholder farmers, and factors affecting the choices of adaptation strategies against climate change in Ankesha Guagusa district. Primary data were collected from a randomly selected 156 sample households in the district through interview method and focus group discussion whereas secondary data were collected from different organizations and published sources. Descriptive statistics, and econometric model were employed to achieve the stated objectives. The result of multivariate probit model showed that the likelihood of households to adopt irrigation, improved crop varieties, adjusting planting date, use crop diversification, and soil and water conservation practices were 46.79%, 52.26%, 45.51%, 69.68% and 78.20%, respectively. The result also shows that the joint probability of using all adaptation strategies was 11.53% and the joint probability of failure to adopt all of the adaptation strategies was 7.7%. The model result also confirms that sex, educational level, family size, livestock holding, land holding, off/non-farm income, farm income, extension contact, credit used, access to climate information, distance to market, and agro-ecological zone had significant effect on climate change adaptation strategies. Therefore, future policies shall focus on the smallholder farmers’ technical capacity through adult education system, and on updated extension services, improving credit facilities, irrigation facilities, farm and off-farm income earning opportunities, and use of new crop varieties that are more suited to the local environment.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Agricultural Technologies (IATs) amo...Premier Publishers
The study examined factors influencing adoption of improved agricultural technologies (IATs) among smallholder farmers in rural communities of Kaduna State.The study was conducted in Giwa and Sabon-gari Local Government Areas. Three objectives guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select the farming communities for the study. Two rural communities (Bassawa and Shika) were purposely selected out of 16 villages primarily because of their age-long agricultural technologies. The sample size of the study was 200 smallholder farmers made up of 100 farmers from each of the communities which were purposively selected. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule, focus group discussion and in-depth interview while the secondary data which relate to the objectives of the study were collected from the office of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) and National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), ABU, Zaria. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentages. Results from the findings of the study revealed a positive significant (p<0.05) influence on adoption of agricultural technology and farmers’ educational levels, gender and age also had a positive significant influence on the adoption of technology. Therefore, the following recommendations were made: there is need to increase farmers’ capital and credit facilities and make funds accessible to the farmers. Also, it is therefore imperative for Government to ensure that policies that support the adoption of improved agricultural technologies are put in place.
Effect of Yam-Based Production on Food Security Status of Farm Households in...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— The study assessed the effect of yam-based production on the food security status of farm households in Edo south, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, analyse the contribution of yam-based production to the income profile of the households, estimate their mean per capita daily calorie intake and examine the determinants and the probability of households being food secured.
A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 120 farm households from Edo South agro-ecological zone of Edo-State data were collected with the aid of well – structured interview schedule on households socio-economic variables which included sex, age, marital status, level of education, farm size, household size and household income and expenditure profile among others. Data collected were analyzed by appropriate statistical analysis which included frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Logit regression model.
The results showed that 97 males, represented majority of the households with (80.8%) and females 23, represented 19.2%of the house heads. The mean age of household reads was 50 years, of which (92.5%) of them were married, 53% owned houses and 58% had farming experience of 11.20 years the mean household size was estimated as seven persons with a mean farm size of 1.35 hectares. The mean annual household income in the study area was estimated as N 496.850.88 out of which farm income contributed N 62.4307, and off income contributed (37.57%). The mean monthly household expenditure was N 40,934.31 out of which food expenditure accounted for 40 .22%. The results also showed that the area was fairly food -secured with 52.5% being food secured and 47.67 being food insecure with mean per capita calorie intake of 36,okcal and 120.2 kcal respectively.
Finally, the results also revealed that three variables in the logit model were significant in explaining variation in the food security status of the households. These are farm size, form income and off-income. It was recommended that government should provide bigger plot of land for those farmers who are determined to take farming as business.
The abstract should summarize the content of the paper. Try to keep the abstract below 250 words. Do not make references nor display equations in the abstract. The journal will be printed from the same-sized copy prepared by you. Your manuscript should be printed on A4 paper (21.0 cm x 29.7 cm). It is imperative that the margins and style described below be adhered to carefully. This will enable us to keep uniformity in the final printed copies of the Journal. Please keep in mind that the manuscript you prepare will be photographed and printed as it is received. Readability of copy is of paramount importance.
Impact Assessment of Agroforestry Practices on Community Socio-Economic Livel...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Agroforestry is the source of energy for cooking, materials for construction, domestic utensils and other products and services including fruits, medicine, livestock, feeding and fencing. This study aimed to assess the impact of agroforestry practices on community"s socioeconomic livelihoods in Karongi district, western Rwanda. The authors interviewed 45 Agroforestry Practioners (AFP) and 45 Non-Agroforestry Practioners (NAFP) from 8 cells randomly selected between July and September 2019.The data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20. The result, as asserted by 100 % of AFP, the Grevillea robustae was the frequently planted specie on contours and terraces due to its contribution on improving soil fertility and protecting the soil against erosion. The inheritance of land is the main mode of getting lands as mentioned by 69% and 62% of AFP and NAFP, respectively. In addition, it was noted that the number of reared goat, cattle and poultry is higher for the AFP than that of NAFP. Furthermore, the AFP" mean yearly income and its uses (food security, agriculture and household building) is significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to that of NAFP. Thus, in Karongi District, the agroforestry significantly enhances its practioner"s livelihoods. This study can serve as guide to other similar areas in adopting the agroforestry.
the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Sri Lanka Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA) summoned a symposium on “Convergence of policies and programs for sustainable and climate resilient agriculture and role of agricultural economics association in contemporary world” on December 13, 2014 as part of Joint Annual Research Forum at Hectare Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The aim of the symposium was to bring together researchers from South Asian countries to present the policy measures taken within their countries regarding climate –smart agriculture and to explore the convergence among them for the near future.
Agricultural sector remains the main source of food and income for most rural communities in Ethiopia. Being dependent mainly on rainfall, this sector has been affected by climate change. Hence, employing adaptation strategies within the agricultural sector to climate change is vital to ensure food security and care for the livelihoods of farmers. Food security and adaptation are among the options to abate the negative impact of climate changes. This study has analyzed factors influencing the impact of climate change on food security and adaptation choices by farm households in eastern Ethiopia. The study used data obtained from 330 household heads randomly and proportionately sampled from two agroecologies in East Hararghe Zone of Oromiya Region and Dire Dawa Administration, Ethiopia. The study used a univariate profit model and multinomial logistic regression model to identify factors affecting food security and the choice of adaptation strategies to climate change. As food security indicator, calorie intake per adult equivalent per day was considered for adaptation strategies; changing planting date, irrigation water use, soil and water conservation, and crop variety selection were considered. The result indicated that farmers in the study area are vulnerable to climate change and the factors determining the choice of climate adaptation options were determined by sex of household head, family size, education status of household head, Agroecology, distance to market, cultivated land, credit access, decreasing precipitation and change of temperature. Policy thrust should focus on linking farmers to fertilizer usage, credit access and social participation as well as in creating awareness of climate change.
Presentation providing insights from the recently published paper, "Women in agriculture and climate risks: Hotspots for development," co-authored by Nitya Chanana-Nag and Pramod K. Aggarwal.
Paper Abstract: "There is rising interest among research and development practitioners to arrive at impact driven solutions in the field of gender and climate change adaptation. Climate change adaptation interventions can be better targeted by being linked with type of climatic risks experienced by women farmers, their social profile and their needs based on the role they play in agriculture. This study presents a methodology to identify hotspots where climate change adaptation and gender based interventions could be prioritized. The methodology is illustrated for India. The results suggest 36 hotspots across 10 states in India, where large number of women farmers are impacted by high levels of drought probability, excess rainfall and heat wave. The target population in these hotspots comprise 14.4% of the total women farmers in the country. A socioeconomic characterization of the hotspot population highlights barriers, such as labor, credit and market access for female cultivators and lower wage rates for female laborers in these hotspots. Based on the constraints as well as the climatic risks faced by these women in the hotspots, the potential of climate-smart agriculture technologies and practices are emphasized. Additionally, a comparison of current research being done in the field with the results of the study highlights the potential to learn from current efforts for efficient scalability of gender and climate change adaptation interventions."
Adoption of good agricultural practices for sustainable maize and cowpea prod...Premier Publishers
This paper presents a comparative evaluation of maize and cowpea grain yields of 24 farmers in the Forest-Savannah Transition (Atebubu-Amantin) and Guinea Savannah (West-Mamprusi) zones of Ghana for 2012 and 2014 respectively at the inception and completion of the sustainable intensification of crop-livestock integration project. While only 7 and 2 farmers planted maize in rows at project inception, 12 and 9 farmers were recorded at project completion in Atebubu–Amantin and West–Mamprusi districts respectively. During 2012 cropping season, when farmers had access to fertilizer in the form of subsidy, only a farmer in each district did not apply fertilizer. However, the reverse was observed in 2014 where there was no subsidy. Comparing 2012 and 2014 cropping season results, revealed a 25% and 27% increase in maize grain yield in Atebubu–Amantin and West–Mamprusi districts respectively. Economic analysis revealed a high benefit cost ratio in maize and cowpea production in 2014 than in 2012 for both locations. The study has demonstrated that, enabling environment that encourages access to tools and implements for row planting and fertilizer in the form of subsidy would complement good agronomic technology packages introduced to farmers in order to ensure sustainable cereal and legume production.
Analysis of adaptation and extent of adaptation to climate variability among ...researchagriculture
The performance of agriculture is influenced by many factors including
climate variability. This factor is gradually being recognized as a key element in
shaping the form, scale, size and time
-
frame of agricultural productivity. Climate
variability is expected to have significant economic, environmental and social impacts
on various sectors of the Kenyan economy. In particular, rural farmers who depend on
major crops like maize and wheat for their livelihoods are likely to bear the brunt of
adverse impacts. The extent to which these impacts are felt depends in large part on
the extent of adaptation in response to climate variability. The key question here is,
“Why are wheat farmers in Rongai district facing continued decline in wheat output
despite evidence from both national and continental perspective that farmers have
adapted to climatic variability”. This study seeks to find out whether wheat farmers in
Rongai District have adapted to climate variability, and if that is the case, to what
extent. The study used multistage sampling procedure to select 150 wheat farmers in
Rongai district informed by both primary and secondary data sources. Data analysis
was done using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that indeed, farmers in the
area were able to recognize that temperatures have increased and there has been a
reduction in the volume of rainfall as well the vegetation cover. They were also able
to note changes in disease occurrence and pest infestation. The percentage of
farmers who perceived the changes was 62% while those who did not were 38%. The
percentage of farmers who perceived changes in temperature, precipitation and
vegetation cover were all equal. This indicates that the farmers were able to relate all
the three indicators of climate variability similarly.
Journal of The Earth Science and Climate Change is a peer reviewed academic journal that cater to the needs of Earth Scientists, farmers, extensive agents, researchers and students. This Open access journal publishes high quality articles following rigorous and standard review procedure.
The study examines the influence of contact farmers on the adoption of improved cassava
varieties in Epe, Lagos state. Data for the study were generated from a field survey of cassava farmers selected
by random sampling technique among contact and non-contact farmers in Epe, Lagos state. Descriptive
statistics,Fourt and Woodlock Model, Mansfeild Model and Bass Diffusion Model were employed for the
analyses. The descriptive statistics was used to analyse social economics of the selected farmers, while Fourt
and Woodlock Model, Mansfeild Model and Bass Diffusion Model were required in analysing the diffusion
process and prediction of adopters of improved cassava varieties.The results show that 2.4% are below 30 years
of age 36.3% fall within the age bracket of 30 – 40years, 40.0% falls within 41-50years and 21.3% were above
50 year. In all, about 78% of the farmers are below the age of 50 years, which is regarded as young or youthful
age, dynamic enough to adopt improved crop varieties. The coefficient of imitation q is 0.795. This is a positive
value, and implies that the diffusion process is high. The coefficient of innovation influence p is estimated as
0.005. This also is positive, meaning that the use of external influences on potential adopters has very little
effect on the adoption decision. The decision to adopt was mainly through the word of mouth recommendation.
It was shown that, the diffusion process could be predicted by applying the Bass model, Fourt and Woodlock
model and the Mansfield model.
Influence of Agricultural Education Programme in Revamping Young Farmers Club...AI Publications
This study focused on the Influence of Agricultural Education Programme in Revamping Young Farmers Club for Food Security in Rivers State. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised eleven (11) and thirteen (13) Agricultural Educators in Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education respectively. Due to the fact that the population was manageable, the entire population was adopted for this study, hence, there was no sampling technique adopted for this study. The instrument used in collecting data was a survey questionnaire titled "Influence of Agricultural Education Programme in Revamping Young Farmers Club" which was structured in four-point rating scale of agreement. This instrument was subjected to face validity by two experts in the Department of Agricultural Education in Rivers State University. Thereafter, Cronbach Alpha was used to establish the reliability of the instrument. The reliability coefficient achieved was 0.82. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses. This study found that Agricultural Education Programme could revamp young farmers club through conducting orientation programs for new students on young farmers club, organizing symposium on importance of young farmers club, organizing conferences on young farmers club, organizing seminars on young farmers club and advertorial on young farmers club. Provision of educational support by: conducting practical for members, equipping future farmers susceptible to new ideas and modern practice, extension training on entrepreneurship, providing vital information to boost the interest of potential farmers, extension training on leadership, introducing potential farmers to farmers cooperative, creating and coordinating communication of agricultural potentials, by motivating members through allotment of time for young farmers club meetings, regular visit of agricultural educators to young farmers club meetings, supervision among others. It was recommended that there should be orientation programme for every year one student in the Department of Agricultural Education so that they could be abreast with the benefits of becoming member of young farmers club. If this is done, it will help to increase the number of students in the club.
Agricultural sector remains the main source of food and income for most rural communities in Ethiopia. Being dependent mainly on rainfall, this sector has been affected by climate change. Hence, employing adaptation strategies within the agricultural sector to climate change is vital to ensure food security and care for the livelihoods of farmers. Food security and adaptation are among the options to abate the negative impact of climate changes. This study has analyzed factors influencing the impact of climate change on food security and adaptation choices by farm households in eastern Ethiopia. The study used data obtained from 330 household heads randomly and proportionately sampled from two agroecologies in East Hararghe Zone of Oromiya Region and Dire Dawa Administration, Ethiopia. The study used a univariate profit model and multinomial logistic regression model to identify factors affecting food security and the choice of adaptation strategies to climate change. As food security indicator, calorie intake per adult equivalent per day was considered for adaptation strategies; changing planting date, irrigation water use, soil and water conservation, and crop variety selection were considered. The result indicated that farmers in the study area are vulnerable to climate change and the factors determining the choice of climate adaptation options were determined by sex of household head, family size, education status of household head, Agroecology, distance to market, cultivated land, credit access, decreasing precipitation and change of temperature. Policy thrust should focus on linking farmers to fertilizer usage, credit access and social participation as well as in creating awareness of climate change.
Presentation providing insights from the recently published paper, "Women in agriculture and climate risks: Hotspots for development," co-authored by Nitya Chanana-Nag and Pramod K. Aggarwal.
Paper Abstract: "There is rising interest among research and development practitioners to arrive at impact driven solutions in the field of gender and climate change adaptation. Climate change adaptation interventions can be better targeted by being linked with type of climatic risks experienced by women farmers, their social profile and their needs based on the role they play in agriculture. This study presents a methodology to identify hotspots where climate change adaptation and gender based interventions could be prioritized. The methodology is illustrated for India. The results suggest 36 hotspots across 10 states in India, where large number of women farmers are impacted by high levels of drought probability, excess rainfall and heat wave. The target population in these hotspots comprise 14.4% of the total women farmers in the country. A socioeconomic characterization of the hotspot population highlights barriers, such as labor, credit and market access for female cultivators and lower wage rates for female laborers in these hotspots. Based on the constraints as well as the climatic risks faced by these women in the hotspots, the potential of climate-smart agriculture technologies and practices are emphasized. Additionally, a comparison of current research being done in the field with the results of the study highlights the potential to learn from current efforts for efficient scalability of gender and climate change adaptation interventions."
Adoption of good agricultural practices for sustainable maize and cowpea prod...Premier Publishers
This paper presents a comparative evaluation of maize and cowpea grain yields of 24 farmers in the Forest-Savannah Transition (Atebubu-Amantin) and Guinea Savannah (West-Mamprusi) zones of Ghana for 2012 and 2014 respectively at the inception and completion of the sustainable intensification of crop-livestock integration project. While only 7 and 2 farmers planted maize in rows at project inception, 12 and 9 farmers were recorded at project completion in Atebubu–Amantin and West–Mamprusi districts respectively. During 2012 cropping season, when farmers had access to fertilizer in the form of subsidy, only a farmer in each district did not apply fertilizer. However, the reverse was observed in 2014 where there was no subsidy. Comparing 2012 and 2014 cropping season results, revealed a 25% and 27% increase in maize grain yield in Atebubu–Amantin and West–Mamprusi districts respectively. Economic analysis revealed a high benefit cost ratio in maize and cowpea production in 2014 than in 2012 for both locations. The study has demonstrated that, enabling environment that encourages access to tools and implements for row planting and fertilizer in the form of subsidy would complement good agronomic technology packages introduced to farmers in order to ensure sustainable cereal and legume production.
Analysis of adaptation and extent of adaptation to climate variability among ...researchagriculture
The performance of agriculture is influenced by many factors including
climate variability. This factor is gradually being recognized as a key element in
shaping the form, scale, size and time
-
frame of agricultural productivity. Climate
variability is expected to have significant economic, environmental and social impacts
on various sectors of the Kenyan economy. In particular, rural farmers who depend on
major crops like maize and wheat for their livelihoods are likely to bear the brunt of
adverse impacts. The extent to which these impacts are felt depends in large part on
the extent of adaptation in response to climate variability. The key question here is,
“Why are wheat farmers in Rongai district facing continued decline in wheat output
despite evidence from both national and continental perspective that farmers have
adapted to climatic variability”. This study seeks to find out whether wheat farmers in
Rongai District have adapted to climate variability, and if that is the case, to what
extent. The study used multistage sampling procedure to select 150 wheat farmers in
Rongai district informed by both primary and secondary data sources. Data analysis
was done using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that indeed, farmers in the
area were able to recognize that temperatures have increased and there has been a
reduction in the volume of rainfall as well the vegetation cover. They were also able
to note changes in disease occurrence and pest infestation. The percentage of
farmers who perceived the changes was 62% while those who did not were 38%. The
percentage of farmers who perceived changes in temperature, precipitation and
vegetation cover were all equal. This indicates that the farmers were able to relate all
the three indicators of climate variability similarly.
Journal of The Earth Science and Climate Change is a peer reviewed academic journal that cater to the needs of Earth Scientists, farmers, extensive agents, researchers and students. This Open access journal publishes high quality articles following rigorous and standard review procedure.
The study examines the influence of contact farmers on the adoption of improved cassava
varieties in Epe, Lagos state. Data for the study were generated from a field survey of cassava farmers selected
by random sampling technique among contact and non-contact farmers in Epe, Lagos state. Descriptive
statistics,Fourt and Woodlock Model, Mansfeild Model and Bass Diffusion Model were employed for the
analyses. The descriptive statistics was used to analyse social economics of the selected farmers, while Fourt
and Woodlock Model, Mansfeild Model and Bass Diffusion Model were required in analysing the diffusion
process and prediction of adopters of improved cassava varieties.The results show that 2.4% are below 30 years
of age 36.3% fall within the age bracket of 30 – 40years, 40.0% falls within 41-50years and 21.3% were above
50 year. In all, about 78% of the farmers are below the age of 50 years, which is regarded as young or youthful
age, dynamic enough to adopt improved crop varieties. The coefficient of imitation q is 0.795. This is a positive
value, and implies that the diffusion process is high. The coefficient of innovation influence p is estimated as
0.005. This also is positive, meaning that the use of external influences on potential adopters has very little
effect on the adoption decision. The decision to adopt was mainly through the word of mouth recommendation.
It was shown that, the diffusion process could be predicted by applying the Bass model, Fourt and Woodlock
model and the Mansfield model.
Influence of Agricultural Education Programme in Revamping Young Farmers Club...AI Publications
This study focused on the Influence of Agricultural Education Programme in Revamping Young Farmers Club for Food Security in Rivers State. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised eleven (11) and thirteen (13) Agricultural Educators in Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education respectively. Due to the fact that the population was manageable, the entire population was adopted for this study, hence, there was no sampling technique adopted for this study. The instrument used in collecting data was a survey questionnaire titled "Influence of Agricultural Education Programme in Revamping Young Farmers Club" which was structured in four-point rating scale of agreement. This instrument was subjected to face validity by two experts in the Department of Agricultural Education in Rivers State University. Thereafter, Cronbach Alpha was used to establish the reliability of the instrument. The reliability coefficient achieved was 0.82. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses. This study found that Agricultural Education Programme could revamp young farmers club through conducting orientation programs for new students on young farmers club, organizing symposium on importance of young farmers club, organizing conferences on young farmers club, organizing seminars on young farmers club and advertorial on young farmers club. Provision of educational support by: conducting practical for members, equipping future farmers susceptible to new ideas and modern practice, extension training on entrepreneurship, providing vital information to boost the interest of potential farmers, extension training on leadership, introducing potential farmers to farmers cooperative, creating and coordinating communication of agricultural potentials, by motivating members through allotment of time for young farmers club meetings, regular visit of agricultural educators to young farmers club meetings, supervision among others. It was recommended that there should be orientation programme for every year one student in the Department of Agricultural Education so that they could be abreast with the benefits of becoming member of young farmers club. If this is done, it will help to increase the number of students in the club.
The study analyzes the acreage response of maize with respect to price and non-price factors in Swaziland during the period 1968-2017. Rainfall and agricultural policy are the non-price factors considered in this study. The Cointergration and Vector Error Correction Modeling approaches were used to estimate the short run and long run elasticities of price and non-price factors acreage response of maize in Eswatini. The results confirm that non-price factors seem to have more effect on acreage response in the long run. The introduction of the Maputo declaration policy in 2003 had not yeld the positive impact on maize annual acreage changes. The study also shows that climatological factors such as rainfall has a positive influence on maize production and resource allocation both in short and long run. Development of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies would assist the maize production sector in the country. The strategies cannot affect natural conditions like rainfall, but it can compensate for the negative impact of climate change by increasing investment in irrigation, promoting efficient use of water and encouraging adoption of drought resistant varieties of seeds.
Farmers’ Knowledge and Adoption of Soil Conservation Practices in North Centr...BRNSS Publication Hub
Soil is the most crucial resource on which agriculture is based. Proper management of this valuable
resource is vital to sustain long-term agricultural productivity. Farmers’ knowledge level and adoption of
soil management practices have influenced agricultural productivity. This study therefore, investigated the
farmers’ knowledge gap and adoption of soil conservation practices in North Central Nigeria. A four-stage
random sampling technique was adopted for selecting 960 respondents from all the six states for the study.
Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to elicit information from the respondents. Data
collected were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency counts, percentages,
and mean, standard deviation, and knowledge gap and adoption indexes. The overall results for the six states
showed that 45.3% had low knowledge gap, 43.4% had medium knowledge gap, and only 11.3% had high
and wider knowledge gap of soil conservation practices. Benue have the largest (52.3%) number of farmers
with the lowest knowledge gap on soil conservation practices. Results showed that 37.2 and 38.6% of
respondents had low and moderate adoption rate, respectively, while only 24.2% had high adoption rate of
soil conservation practices. State-wise, Benue (0.74) had the highest adoption rate while Kogi (0.33) had
the lowest. Adoption rate of soil conservation practices is significantly influenced by farmers’ knowledge
level at varying degree. It is concluded that farmers’ knowledge gap and adoption of soil conservation
practices ranges between low and medium with wide knowledge gap were found mostly in the areas of
terracing, contour farming, conservation tillage, and vegetative barriers. The study recommend that training
with result demonstration through agricultural extension services should be organized for farmers on soil
conservation practices to bridge their knowledge gap, especially in the areas where wider gap was found
and increases its adoption.
A recent study establishes that since 1970, there has been an ecological gap between human needs and the planet's resources, with annual resource demand exceeding the bio-productivity of the planet. Specifically, humanity utilises equivalent of 1.75 earths to produce the ecological resources used, with half of this attributable to food consumption. The present work therefore seeks to provide an empirically-based insight into the environmental sustainability of the EF of food consumption in Ijebu Ode. A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used, and primary data were collected from 400 systemically sampled households via structured questionnaires and analysed descriptively using Microsoft Excel and inferentially using mathematical models for calculating ecological footprints. Findings revealed that the household EF of food consumption in Ijebu Ode is 0.05gha per capita, with the footprint of cereal consumption (0.17gha; 37%) taking the major share, followed by meat with a footprint of 0.11gha (23.9%). As a result, it was concluded that Ijebu Ode has sustainable food consumption, which is necessary for its environmental sustainability. However, the sustenance of the former requires creating awareness of the need for sustainable consumption and prioritisation of integrated and population-wide policies and food intervention initiatives to encourage attitudinal change in favour of sustainable food consumption while fostering sustainable food production strategies amidst current environmental realities.
Measuring the economic performance of smallholder organic maize farms; Implic...Olutosin Ademola Otekunrin
The use of chemical inputs in conventional agriculture is associated with some health and environmental issues. This led to a call for more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture without health issues. However, there is low participation in organic farming in Nigeria, which could be linked to less knowledge about its profitability. The study investigated smallholder organic maize farming profitability in Northern Nigeria. We employed descriptive statistics, profitability analysis, and a multiple regression model to analyse data collected from 480 maize farmers. The results revealed that organic maize farmers had a gross profit of USD 604.81 per hectare, a 0.46 profit ratio, a 0.54 gross ratio, a 0.32 operating ratio, a benefit-cost ratio of 1.85, and a 0.85 return on capital invested. Thus, organic maize farming is a productive and profitable venture. Organic manure, compost manure, farm size, selling price, cooperative membership, extension contact, access to credit, irrigation, education, and major occupation were factors that enhanced organic maize farming’s net profit. However, seed and transportation costs negatively influenced organic maize farming's net profit. Therefore, government and development agencies must intervene to make organic farming more sustainable and profitable by subsidizing seed costs and providing f inancial assistance to farmers.
Determinants of Food Security Status among Irrigated Vegetable Farmers in Nor...BRNSS Publication Hub
The study examined factors influencing food security status of irrigated vegetable farmers and price trend of vegetables in Northern Agricultural Zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was adopted where 360 framers were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as binary logistic model. The result reveals that average quantity produced per hectare of tomato, sweat pepper, and onion was about 227 baskets (6810 kg), 185 bags (7400 kg), and 168 bags (18480 kg), respectively. The net income was N187,245.00 ($520.00), N145,114.00 ($403.00), and N330,761.00 ($919.00) per hectare, for the respective vegetable crops. The result on binary logistic model indicates that the quantity of vegetable produced was found to be positively related with farmers food security status and statistically significant at P = 0.001. Monthly income had a positive odds ratio (2.214) and statistically significant at P = 0.000. The result also reveals that age was significant (P = 0.014) and positively related with a food security status of the farmers with the odds ratio of 0.943. The pseudo R2 was found to be 0.481, implying that about 48% of variation in the dependent variable is explained by independent factors included in the model. The result on price trend analysis indicates that seasonal variations occur in vegetable prices, for several reasons such as demand and supply factors. Thus, the study recommends that farmers should be provided with adequate information concerning prices, supply, and demand, especially at the local level. Farmers should be encouraged to adopt improved technologies and new farming practices to boost output. In addition, farmers should be encouraged to diversify the source of income to have more funds to purchase other foodstuffs that they could not producing.
Determinants of Food Security Status among Irrigated Vegetable Farmers in Nor...BRNSS Publication Hub
The study examined factors influencing food security status of irrigated vegetable farmers and price
trend of vegetables in Northern Agricultural Zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling
technique was adopted where 360 framers were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected
using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as binary logistic model.
The result reveals that average quantity produced per hectare of tomato, sweat pepper, and onion was
about 227 baskets (6810 kg), 185 bags (7400 kg), and 168 bags (18480 kg), respectively. The net income
was N187,245.00 ($520.00), N145,114.00 ($403.00), and N330,761.00 ($919.00) per hectare, for the
respective vegetable crops. The result on binary logistic model indicates that the quantity of vegetable
produced was found to be positively related with farmers food security status and statistically significant
at P = 0.001. Monthly income had a positive odds ratio (2.214) and statistically significant at P = 0.000.
The result also reveals that age was significant (P = 0.014) and positively related with a food security
status of the farmers with the odds ratio of 0.943. The pseudo R2
was found to be 0.481, implying that
about 48% of variation in the dependent variable is explained by independent factors included in the
model. The result on price trend analysis indicates that seasonal variations occur in vegetable prices, for
several reasons such as demand and supply factors. Thus, the study recommends that farmers should
be provided with adequate information concerning prices, supply, and demand, especially at the local
level. Farmers should be encouraged to adopt improved technologies and new farming practices to boost
output. In addition, farmers should be encouraged to diversify the source of income to have more funds
to purchase other foodstuffs that they could not producing.
article 3 o i i r j . o r g- 3 An Analysis of Socio.pdfEducational
Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, {Bi-Monthly}, ISSN 2249-9598, Volume-08, Issue-04, July-Aug 2018 Issue
w w w . o i i r j . o r g I S S N 2 2 4 9 - 9 5 9 8 Page 358
An Analysis of Socio Economic Background of Organic Farmers: A Study with
Special References to Mandya District
aUma .K,
Article 3 An Analysis of Socio Economic Background of Organic Farmers A Study...Dr UMA K
Reference: Dr. Uma. K (2018) “An Analysis of Socio-Economic Background of Organic Farmers: A Study with Special References to Mandya District”, Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, (OIIRJ), {Bi-Monthly}, ISSN 2249-9598, Volume-08, Issue-04, Page No 358-368.
Influence of farmer characteristics on the production of groundnuts, a case o...paperpublications3
Abstract: Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is a major annual oilseed crop and its economic and nutritive quality makes the crop a beneficial enterprise for rural farmers in Ndhiwa Sub-County. Researchers have recommended adoption of technology and increased contact with extension agents as one way of increasing production but productivity remains low. Crop productivity or yield is a function of environment, plant, management and socio-economic factors that interact at optimum levels to give maximum yields. The study focused on farmer characteristics which are part of socio-economic factors using the ex-post facto research design. The objective was to determine the influence of farmer characteristics on the production of groundnuts in Ndhiwa Sub County, Kenya. Purposive, multistage and simple random sampling was used in the study. Data on famer characteristics was obtained from 323 farmers out of the population of 21,820 farmers involved in groundnut production during the 2014 main cropping season. Document analysis was used to collate and analyze secondary data. Cobb-Douglas production function model and multiple regression analysis were used to study the behaviour and effects of independent variables on the dependent variable and test hypotheses. The results of the study showed that majority of the farmers were in households that were male headed with an average of seven persons. The household heads were middle aged, experienced in groundnut farming and had low levels of formal education. Age, gender of head of household, household size, level of formal education and experience in farming all had a positive relationship with groundnut production. However, only gender and experience in farming were significant at p <0.05 level of significance. Based on the findings the study recommended that interventions that target female headed households and improvement of farmers’ traditional knowledge on production should be put in place to improve production.
Agricultural sector remains the main source of food and income for most rural communities in
Ethiopia. Being dependent mainly on rainfall, this sector has been affected by climate change. Hence,
employing adaptation strategies within the agricultural sector to climate change is vital to ensure food security
and care for the livelihoods of farmers. Food security and adaptation are among the options to abate the
negative impact of climate changes. This study has analyzed factors influencing the impact of climate change
on food security and adaptation choices by farm households in eastern Ethiopia. The study used data obtained
from 330 household heads randomly and proportionately sampled from two agroecologies in East Hararghe
Zone of Oromiya Region and Dire Dawa Administration, Ethiopia. The study used a univariate profit model
and multinomial logistic regression model to identify factors affecting food security and the choice of
adaptation strategies to climate change. As food security indicator, calorie intake per adult equivalent per day
was considered for adaptation strategies; changing planting date, irrigation water use, soil and water
conservation, and crop variety selection were considered. The result indicated that farmers in the study area are
vulnerable to climate change and the factors determining the choice of climate adaptation options were
determined by sex of household head, family size, education status of household head, Agroecology, distance
to market, cultivated land, credit access, decreasing precipitation and change of temperature. Policy thrust
should focus on linking farmers to fertilizer usage, credit access and social participation as well as in creating
awareness of climate change.
Status of Agricultural Food Sector: Basis for A Proposed Continuity PlanIJAEMSJORNAL
This study described the status of agriculture in the province of Nueva Ecija. It determined the current situation of the farming business in Nueva Ecija in terms of agricultural land use, its statistical profile on agriculture, crops grown by cities and municipalities and the presence of support agencies in maintaining the continuous development of farming and other forms of agriculture therein. Based on its agriculture profile, land, mostly irrigated shares the biggest portion in terms of its usage for food production. Rice, corn, onion and tomatoes are the major crops being grown in cities and municipalities. Findings revealed that rice and corn share the biggest in domestic consumption. For support agencies, bank and business agencies are found in support for farmers while the government mostly provides seminars. It was also revealed that other seeds for crops are introduced as a farmer’s option and lesser in choosing for an investment in their income. As their contingency plan, farmers opt to sell and engage in driving rather than farming during lean months. Pest attacks constitute the main problem encountered by farmers, while seeding management is a priority. The above findings point to certain sustainability that requires improvement and a continuity plan to match up with the continuous supply of goods from the farms to the demands of an increasing population for its consumption.
Effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 Atasp 1 ...ijtsrd
This study examined the effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase 1 ATASP 1 on Farmers Performance in Southeast, Nigeria. It used a well structured questionnaire to collect data from a cross section of randomly selected 730 respondents. A combination of analytical tools such as descriptive statistics, Tobit and multiple regression analysis and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The study found that 56.6 of the farmers are males with an average age of 44 years, who are 87.8 married and have 10 years of formal schooling. Apart from over 19 years farming experience, the average 6 people per household is large enough to supply cheap family labour to the farmers. The study found out that the programme interventions are classified into three important components, which are infrastructure, financial market and commodity value chain development. It was also revealed that farmers adopted the following agricultural technologies the use of improved seed varieties, the use of ICT extension facilities, and keeping a good farm processing record to track changes, among others. The study, therefore, recommended among others, that the programme implementers need to be transparent in their disbursement and implementation of the project mandates and that there is a need to improve the literacy level of the farmers, as this will go a long way to improve their possibilities of technology adoption. Johnpaul Chimnedum Onyekineso | Nwankwo Frank "Effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (Atasp-1) on Farmers' Performance in Southeast, Nigeria" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-6 , October 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46407.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/business-economics/46407/effect-of-agricultural-transformation-agenda-support-program-phase-1-atasp1-on-farmers'-performance-in-southeast-nigeria/johnpaul-chimnedum-onyekineso
Analysis of the relationship between the Socio-Economic Characteristics of Ri...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
The study examined the analysis of the relationship between the SocioEconomic Characteristics of Rice Farmers and Soil Management Practices in Abuja. The study was conducted in rural communities in Abuja, Nigeria. Two objectives guided the study. The study adopted descriptive and logistic regression research design. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select the farming communities for the study. Twelve (12) agricultural wards (Chuwkuku, Gaube, Bamushin, kotunku, Pai, Dafa, Bako, Dobi, Paso, Chibiri, Gadabiu and Paikon) were randomly selected giving a total of thirty-six (36) agricultural wards. Five blocks were randomly picked from each of the agricultural wards making the total of 180. Lastly two (2) circles were randomly selected from each of the blocks resulting to three hundred and sixty (360) respondents who were randomly selected from the chosen circles. The results show that 58.06% of the respondents were male while 36.13% of the respondents were between the ages of 30 and 39years. Also, 47.74% of them were married with 40% of the respondents having an average of 5 people in their households. 61.94 had at most a national certificate of education (NCE). Majority (44.84) of the respondent had a farm size of between half a hectare and two hectares. The study recommended that manual tillage should be mostly carried out by rice farmer to improve the level of production and also soil rotation should be practiced where soil is much available to reduce the level of degradation.
Assessment of Experts’ Opinion on Irish Potato Farmers Perceptions about Clim...Premier Publishers
This paper evaluated expert opinions on farmers' perception about climate change, Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and their effects on Irish potato production in Kenya. The study focused on different coping strategies preferred by experts and currently used by farmers. Delphi approach was used to elicit information from 22 experts from different Irish potato and climate research organizations in Kenya. The study found that, majority of farmers were aware of climate change and perceived it to affect Irish potato production in Kenya. Most experts opined that key climate change effects experienced by the farmers in Kenya included new strains of pest and diseases (91%), low rainfall (68%), instability in production (68%), inability to plan for production (64%) and destruction of crops by floods (59%) causing an overall decline in potato yield (86%). Despite high level of farmers’ awareness (76%) and benefits (91%), the study found low implementation levels(≤ 40%) on most of the CSA practices. Furthermore, the assessment revealed that the top 5 CSA practices preferred by both experts and farmers are the use of improved crop varieties (85%), irrigation (64%), efficient use of agrochemicals (54%), early land preparation (51%), diversified crop production (45%), efficient use of inorganic fertilizer (45%) and changing planting dates (45%). The study revealed that the most preferred CSA practices focused on increased production. The study calls for changes in agricultural policy to appropriately resolve the majority of CSA practices adoption and adaptation concerns in Kenya.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS ModuleCeline George
Bills have a main role in point of sale procedure. It will help to track sales, handling payments and giving receipts to customers. Bill splitting also has an important role in POS. For example, If some friends come together for dinner and if they want to divide the bill then it is possible by POS bill splitting. This slide will show how to split bills in odoo 17 POS.
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
What is the purpose of the Sabbath Law in the Torah. It is interesting to compare how the context of the law shifts from Exodus to Deuteronomy. Who gets to rest, and why?
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology:
Ethnobotany in herbal drug evaluation,
Impact of Ethnobotany in traditional medicine,
New development in herbals,
Bio-prospecting tools for drug discovery,
Role of Ethnopharmacology in drug evaluation,
Reverse Pharmacology.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
2. AEXTJ/Oct-Dec-2019/Vol 3/Issue 4 225
Umeh and Igwe: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among farmers
agricultural production is the management and
utilization of agricultural ecosystem in a way that
maintains its biological diversity, productivity,
regeneration capacity vitality, and ability to function
so that it can fulfill the present and future significant
economic and social functions that do not harm
other ecosystems.[1]
It aims at providing an adequate
and dependable farm income, thereby reducing
poverty.[2-4]
Sustainable agriculture, as defined by the FAO
(2012), is “the management and conservation of
the natural resource base, and the orientation of
technological and institutional change in such a
manner as to ensure the attainment and continued
satisfaction of human needs for present and future
generation.” Therefore, this alternative ensures
multidimensional sustainability.
Sustainable agriculture is an agricultural system
adapted to a particular area so that crop and
animal productions do not decline overtime and
are reasonably stable over normal fluctuations of
weather.[5-8]
Francis and Youngberg (1990) indicated
that sustainable agriculture satisfies human needs
for fiber and food, protects natural resources and
environmental quality. It is based on understanding
thelong-termimpactofactivitiesontheenvironment
and other species, which invariably guides the
application of resource conserving equitable farm
system, maintains rural community and quality of
life.
The issue of sustainable agricultural practices
(SAPs) was introduced as a result of some problems
associated with the cultivation of land overtime.
Some of the SAPs include mixed cropping, cover
cropping, organic manure application, minimum
tillage, mulching, contour farming, crop rotation,
intercropping, alley cropping, improved varieties
green manure, and integrated pest management
(IPM).[9-13]
.
Unsustainable agricultural practices have led to
poor agricultural productivity in Nigeria, which is a
major determinant of food insecurity.[14]
According
to Irepi (1995), the poor performance of Nigerian
farmers is attributed to their lack of the use of SAPs
and their lack of awareness of these SAPs, these
practices are effective in increasing agricultural
productivity and at the same time enhance the
quality of the soil. Sustainable crop production
practices minimize the use of non-renewable inputs
that damage the environment or harm the health of
crop farmers and consumers. The use of SAPs brings
much benefit to the farming community in the long
run in terms of combating hunger and poverty and
enhancing higher agricultural productivity. Not only
does sustainable agriculture address the protection
of the environment but it also considers the returns
on agricultural enterprise to the farmers. Therefore,
sustainable agricultural production is not only worth
pursuing but also inevitable. Although the benefits
of SAPs are enormous, their use seems low.[15]
In Nigeria, the most serious challenge to agriculture
is how to meet up with the food needs of the ever-
increasing population in the face of political,
social, cultural, and economic problems. However,
little is known about the current state of progress
in sustainable agriculture. One approach that might
lead to such understanding is to gain insight into the
adoptionrateofSAPsintheruralareas.Asdefinedin
Rodriguez et al., adoption is the implementation and
continued use of a practice. It is different from trial
or experiment. Many studies have asserted a limited
adoption of SAPs.[16-18]
However, the information
has neither been specially collected through an
agricultural census nor officially published in
most countries. Natural resources such as land,
water, and energy are unsustainably used. This has
brought about issues relating to gradual decline in
land productivity such as topsoil depletion, erosion,
and soil compaction in agrarian communities,
including Ohaukwu Local Government Area
(L.G.A) of Ebonyi State. Therefore, there is a
knowledge gap in our understanding of the current
state of adoption of SAPs at the sectoral, national,
and regional levels.[19]
It is, therefore, necessary to change from harmful
practices that bring about negative effects on the
soil to more sustainable practices. To achieve this,
policies and programs have to be developed and
implemented to encourage farmers to utilize these
practices. However, data on the extent of use of these
practices in the study area are lacking. This study,
therefore, assessed the extent of the application of
SAPs among farmers in Ohaukwu L.G.A of Ebonyi
State.
If land is expected to continue to produce, resource
base must at least be maintained, rehabilitated, and
properly managed. Fortunately, government and
certain non-governmental agencies, for instance, the
3. AEXTJ/Oct-Dec-2019/Vol 3/Issue 4 226
Umeh and Igwe: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among farmers
Nigeria conservation society, are getting involved in
creating an awareness of the need to use judiciously,
and thus preserve, the Nigerian environment
(Pretty, 1994). Although preservation and other
measures so far taken are steps in the right direction,
they do not appear to be adequate, particularly in
ensuring a widespread knowledge, especially
among rural farmers and Ohaukwu L.G.A farmers,
in particular, of the relationship between the use of
the environment and its effects on agricultural and
rural development.
Objective of the study
The broad objective of the study was to determine
the extent or level of adoption of SAPs among
farmers in Ohaukwu L.G.A of Ebonyi State.
The specific objectives of the study were to: examine
the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers
in Ohaukwu L.G.A, identify the SAPs adopted
by crop farmers in the study area, determine the
relationships between socioeconomic characteristics
of the farmers and their adoption of SAPs in their
agricultural production, and identify the constraints
to the adoption of SAPs in Ohaukwu L.G.A. The
hypothesis was stated that there is no significant
relationship between the farmers’ socioeconomic
characteristics and their adoption of SAPs in
agricultural production.
METHODOLOGY
The study area is Ohaukwu which is one of the
13 L.G.AsinEbonyiState,Nigeria,whichismadeup
of 16 autonomous communities. The 16 autonomous
communities include Ameku, Amoffia, Amaechi,
Ezzangbo, Effium, Ekwashi, Umuezeaka, Nturakpa,
Ukwagba, UmuoguduAkpu, OkposhiEshi, Amaike,
UmuoguduOshia, Ishielu, and Umuakpu. According
to the National Population Commission (2006), the
total population of Ohaukwu Local Government is
196,337 with male population of 92,848 and female
population of 103,489. It has an area of 517 km
geographically and is located between latitude
0.060N
and longitude 0.830E
. Multistage, random,
and systematic sampling procedures were used
in this study to choose a total of 160 smallholder
farmers from the L.G.A, whereas primary data were
collected and analyzed using both descriptive and
inferential statistics.
RESULTS DISCUSSION
Socioeconomic characteristics of farmers in the
study area
The result of the analysis on gender of rural farmers
as presented in Table 1 showed that majority
(68.12%) of the respondents were female, whereas
only few others (31.87%) were male. This implied
that there were more females who engaged in
agricultural production in the study area than males.
This is in line with the finding of FAO (2007) as
quoted that majority of rural farmers in Nigeria
were female.[20]
The result of the analysis on age showed that
majority (45.62%) of the respondents were between
the age bracket 36–45 years while the least (5.62%)
were those who were above 55 years. It was also
observed that the mean age of the respondent
farmers was 43 years. This means that most of
the rural farmers in the study area were within the
age of active workforce. This conforms to Mbam
(2015) who reported that majority of rice farmers
in Southeast Nigeria were between the age of 41–
50 years.
The result of the analysis on farming experience
showed that majority (63.75%) have spent
between 11 and 20 years in farming, whereas the
least (3.12%) had spent more than 30 years in
farming. It was further observed that the mean
number of years of experience of the respondents
was 17 years. This implied that most of the rural
farmers have spent adequate time in farming and
so may have gathered enough experience needed
to make profit in their different ventures. Similarly,
Rodriguez (2009) reported that majority of rural
farmers in India have spent at least 20 years in
farming.[21]
The result of the analysis on educational level
showed that majority (58.12%) acquired secondary
school education, whereas a few (5.62%) were
those who had acquired B.Sc or its equivalent. It
was further observed that nobody had obtained
any qualification above B.Sc among the rural
farmers. The reason for the low acquisition of
higher educational degrees among the farmers
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Umeh and Igwe: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among farmers
could be as a result of inadequate educational
facilities existing in the area and it may be cost
intensive for them to travel out to acquire such
qualifications. This does not synchronize with
the finding of Igwe (2013) which reported that
majority of rural farmers in Ivo L.G.A were those
who only acquired primary school education
because education was not a prerequisite for
agricultural production.
The result of the analysis on marital status showed
that majority (76.25%) were married, whereas a few
(4.37%) were divorced. This implied that most of
the rural farmers in the study area were those who
were married and so may have family needs they
need to meet. Furthermore, the low percentage of
those who were divorced could be because it is a
sign of irresponsibility inAfrica for divorce to occur
and so, people tend to shy away from such status.
This is in tandem with the finding of Keshavarz
(2010) who reported that African traditions do not
encourage divorce.[2,22]
The result of the analysis on religion showed that
majority(88.75%)ofthefarmerswereChristianswhile
the least (1.87%) were those who practiced Islam. It(Contd...)
Socioeconomic
characteristics
Frequency Percentage Mean
Gender (dummy)
Male 51 31.87
Female 109 68.12
Total 160 100.00
Age (years)
15–25 12 7.50 43
26–35 39 24.37
36–45 73 45.62
46–55 27 16.87
Above 55 09 5.62
160 100
Farming experience (years)
1–10 37 23.12 17
11–20 102 63.75
21–30 16 1.00
Above 30 05 3.12
Total 160 100.00
Educational qualification
FSLC 21 13.12
WAEC 93 58.12
NCE 25 15.62
HND 12 7.50
B.Sc 09 5.62
Above B.Sc 00 0.00
160 100.00
Marital status
Single 31 19.37
Married 122 76.25
Divorced 07 4.37
160 100.00
Religion
Christianity 142 88.75
Islam 03 1.87
African traditional
religion
15 9.37
160 100.00
Farm size (hectares)
0.5 45 28.12 0.8
0.6–1.0 89 55.62
1.1–1.5 18 11.25
1.6–2.0 06 3.75
Above 2.0 02 1.25
160 100.00
Type of farm production
Animal 9 5.62
Crops 60 37.50
Table 1: Description of socioeconomic characteristics of
rural households in the study area Socioeconomic
characteristics
Frequency Percentage Mean
Both 91 56.87
160 100.00
Annual income (N)
20,000 7 4.37 71,400
20,001–40,000 15 9.37
40,001–60,000 37 23.12
60,001–80,000 93 58.12
Above 80,000 8 5.00
Total 160 100.00
Membership to cooperative society
Yes 31 19.37
No 129 80.62
160 100.00
Source of land
Inherited 62 38.75
Lease 48 30.00
Communal 45 28.12
Purchase 01 0.62
Rented 04 2.50
160 100.00
Source: Field survey, 2018
Table 1: Continued
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Umeh and Igwe: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among farmers
was further observed that only 9.37% of the farmers
practiced African traditional religion. This means that
mostoftherespondentsbelievedinJesusChristastheir
savior. This could be because Christianity has been
observed as the dominant religion in the Southeastern
Nigeria ever since it overtook the African traditional
religion in the early 80s.
The result of the analysis on farm size showed that
majority of the respondents (55.62%) had farm size
between 0.6 and 1.0 ha, whereas the least (1.25%)
had farm size of above 2.5 ha. It was further observed
that the mean farm size of the farmers was 0.8 ha in
scattered plots. This further implied that the farmers
did not engage in commercial agriculture, rather
they engaged in small-scale farming which does not
bring high return on investment. Similarly, Umeh
and Odom (2013) in Onu and Onu (2016) reported
that majority of rural farmers in Ohaozara L.G.A
were small-scale farmers whose farm size was
below 1.0 ha.
The result of the analysis on the type of farming
showed that majority (56.87%) of the respondents
were engaged in the production of both crops and
animals (mixed farming) while the least (5.62%)
were engaged in the production of only animals.
Furthermore, about 37.5% were engaged in the
production of only crops. This means that most of
the respondent farmers were not specific in their
production, rather they engaged in the production
of both crops and animals. This is typical of
the Nigerian farmers who do not specialize in
production of either crops or animals but engages in
the production of both crops and rearing of animal,
all to meet their personal needs. This is in line
with FAO (2013) which reported that majority of
Nigerian farmers practiced mixed farming.
The result of the analysis on annual income showed
that majority of the respondent farmers (58.12%)
earned between N60,001 and N80,000 annually
from farm production while the least (4.37%)
were those whose annual farm income fall below
N20,000. The mean annual income generated from
the farming activities was N71,400 which was
regarded as low income. This could be attributed
to so many factors, which includes the small-scale
farming which the farmers engaged in, as well
as the fact that they did not specialize in, either
crops or animals as specialization in an enterprise
has been observed to be a prerequisite to improve
production which leads to higher income. This does
not synchronize with the finding ofAzubuike (2014)
which reported that for sustainable agriculture to be
achieved, there is a need for specialization to ensure
increased productivity and income.
The result of the analysis on membership to
cooperatives showed that majority (80.62%) of
the respondent farmers were not members to any
farmers’ cooperative society while only 19.37%
were members of cooperative society. This implied
that the most of the farmers did not belong to
any farmers’ association and so may be lacking
information about recommended agricultural
production practices. This is in conformity with the
finding of Igwe (2013) which reported that majority
of rural farmers in Ivo L.G.A did not belong to
farmers’ cooperative societies.
The result of the analysis on source of land for
agricultural production showed that majority
(38.75%) got land from inheritance, whereas
the least (0.62%) purchased land for agricultural
production. This means that most farmers did not
pay for the land they used in agricultural production
since they had inherited it from their family. This
finding is against the result of Iwuanyanwu and
Okereke (2017) which reported that majority of rural
farmers in Ikeduru L.G.A of Imo State got land for
agricultural production from communal ownership
which does not encourage large-scale production.
Adoption of SAPs
From Table 2, it was observed from the analysis
on the SAPs adopted by rural farmers in crop
production that there were several agricultural
practices which they adopted. The predominant
practices adopted included crop rotation (90.44%),
compost manure (84.71%), planting of tolerant
varieties (80.89%), cover cropping (66.24%), and
crop diversity (61.78%). Conversely, among the
practices that were not adopted, the following were
the least; alternative energy (6.36%), irrigation
(9.55%), and alley cropping (10.82%). This work is
in tandem with Fischer, Shah, and Velthuizen (2002)
who reported that rural farmers found it difficult to
adopt high-tech innovations such as irrigation and
alternative energy.
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Umeh and Igwe: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among farmers
Effect of the socioeconomic characteristics
of the farmers on adoption of SAPs in their
agricultural production
Table 3 shows that socioeconomic characteristics of
the rural farmers have strong influence on adoption
of SAPs. This was justified from the Z-value of
19.108 and Pearson goodness of fit which was
8807.020 and statistically significant at P = 0.01.
The result also indicated that six out of seven
variables considered met the a priori expectation
while one did not.
The result for gender (X1
) was positively signed and
significantat1%(P=0.01)levelofsignificance.This
implies that there is a direct relationship between
gender of respondents and adoption of SAPs. This
was in line with the a priori expectation as males in
the study area are expected to have higher adoption
level than the females.
Age (X2
) was found to be inversely related to
the adoption of SAPs in the study area but was
statistically significant at 1% (99% confidence
interval). This shows that aged people did not adopt
SAPs since they have fixed habits of doing things.
It implies that the young ones are more driven to
the adoption of SAPs than the aged. This is in line
with the a priori expectation because it is only the
young who have the energy and prone to risk-taking
that adopts SAPs more than the aged. Moreover, the
young were observed to be inquisitive and ready to
utilize any available opportunity to make profit.
Education level (X3
) was positively signed and also
significant at 1% (99% confidence interval). This
means that the higher the number of years spent in
formal education, the more the adoption of SAPs.
This could be due to the fact that education is
prerequisite to understanding the nitty-gritty of new
practical techniques; therefore, educated farmers
are more knowledgeable on that what to do to make
more profit. This profit motive drives them into
adopting new techniques to ensure that sustainable
agricultural production is achieved. This is in line
with the a priori expectation since education is an
important condition for success in every venture.
This is in line with the work of Ekwe (2012) who
opined that education plays a role in determining
the success of any agribusiness venture.
Household size (X4
) has positive influence on
adoption of SAPs and statistically significant at
95% confidence interval. It implies that the higher
the farmer’s household size, the more he has the
drive for adoption of SAPs. This is because a larger
family will warrant the need to raise enough income
to take care of them. Moreover, farmers with large
household size have higher/wider information
sources and so may adopt better than those whose
household size is less.
Annual income (X5
) had a positive relationship with
adoption of SAPs and was significant at 10% (90%
confidence interval). This implies that the higher the
income level of farmers, the higher the adoption of
SAPs. This is in line with the a priori expectation
since it has been observed that higher income
warrants higher ability to pay for any improved
technique needed to increase production and
income. Azubuike (2015) reported that increase in
income increases ability of farmers to adopt different
sustainable agricultural production practices such as
Table 2: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices
Variables Frequency Percentage
Crop rotation 142 90.44
Cover cropping 104 66.24
Crop diversity 97 61.78
Integrated pest management 79 50.31
Managed grazing 118 75.15
Local selling of produce 124 78.98
Alternative energy 10 6.36
Compost manure 133 84.71
Reduced tillage 64 40.47
Planting of tolerant varieties 127 80.89
Agro‑forestry 85 54.14
Irrigation 15 9.55
Alley cropping 17 10.82
Source: Field survey, 2018. Multiple responses recorded
Table 3: Coefficient estimates of logit analysis on the
effect of socioeconomic attributes on farmers adoption of
sustainable agricultural practices
Variable
symbols
Variable name Coefficient
estimates
Standard
error
Sign.
value
b0
Constant 7.265 17.561 18.188
X1
Gender 16.870 7.848 0.006*
X2
Age −0.918 3.847 0.003*
X3
Educational level 5.205 2.070 0.043**
X4
Household size 2.046 1.206 0.005*
X5
Annual income 5.876 1.542 0.060***
X6
Farm size 12.970 2.962 −0.684
X7
Years of experience −0.2238 0.781 0.330
Source: Field survey, 2018. **P=0.05 (95%)
7. AEXTJ/Oct-Dec-2019/Vol 3/Issue 4 230
Umeh and Igwe: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among farmers
crop rotation, cover crops planting, crop diversity,
use of beneficial animals or natural pest predators,
biointensive IPM, managed gazing, alternative
energy, soil management, selection of sites, and
among others.
Furthermore, the result also showed a positive
relationship between farm size (X6
) and adoption of
SAPs which was not significant at either 1%, 5%, or
10% level of significance. This was in line with the
a priori expectation as farmers with bigger farm size
tend to adopt more SAPs than those farmers whose
farm size was smaller. This was in line with the
findings of Asaka (2006), who reported that farmers
with bigger farm size have used crop rotation for
centuries as a technique to keep the soil healthy
and avoid depleting it entirely of nutrients. Here,
different crops are planted in different locations
over several years in such a way that the succeeding
crop helps replenish the nutrients the previous one
has taken out of the soil or vice versa.
The result also showed that years of experience
(X7
) had a negative relationship with the adoption
of SAPs. This means that the higher the number of
years a farmer is experienced in farming, the lower
his adoption of SAPs. This is not in line with the a
priori expectation since higher years of experience
mean more knowledge in the farming and more
possibility of making profits. This is because more
experienced farmers know where to source their
resources at the cheapest possible rate more than
the inexperienced farmers. This work is contrary
to the work of Mbam (2015) who opined that
years of experience increase the farmers’ access to
microcredit used for investment in agriculture for
adoption of SAPs. Conversely, younger farmers
with less farming experience as a result of their
age have greater drive to adopt innovative practices
than their older counterparts with higher farming
experience.
The final model is presented as follows:
Y = 7.265 + 16.870X1
− 10.918X2
+ 5.205X3
+
(17.561) (7.848) (3.847) (2.070)
2.046X4
+ 5.87X5
+ 12.970X6
− 2.23X7
(1.206) (2.712) (2.962) (0.781)
Constraints to adoption of SAPs
The result of the Varimax rotated component matrix
(factor analysis) on the constraints to the adoption
of SAPs as presented in Table 4 identified some
variables which were regarded as constraints to the
adoption of SAPs. These variables were classified
into three groups, namely, socioeconomic, political,
and institutional based on close resemblances.
Socioeconomic constraints included lack of
necessary capital for SAP (0.980), inadequate
knowledgeofSAPs(0.943),lackofnecessarycapital
for SAP (0.875), land tenure system that does not
support SAPs (0.714), and low literacy level (0.696).
Political constraints were absence of government
economic incentive (0.812) and unavailability of
required input (0.698) while institutional constraints
were inadequate contact with extension agent
(0.991), climatic factors do not support sustainable
agriculture (0.719), poor extension sustainable
agricultural content (0.706), and lack of awareness
of SAPs (0.679). This is in line with the finding of
Schaller (2013) which reported that the constraints
to the adoption of SAPs included low literacy level
Table 4: Constraints to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the study area
Constraints Socioeconomic Political Institutional
Lack of necessary capital for sustainable agricultural practice 0.980 0.023 −0.473
Climatic factors do not support sustainable agriculture 0.075 0.020 0.719
Poor extension sustainable agricultural content 0.009 −0.100 0.706
Inadequate contact with extension agent 0. 264 −0.222 0.911
Absence of government economic incentive 0.091 0.812 0.138
Lack of awareness of sustainable agricultural practices 0.024 −0.819 0.697
Inadequate knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices 0.943 −0.622 0.303
Land tenure system that does not support sustainable
agricultural practices
0.714 0.005 0.015
Unavailability of required input 0.117 0.698 −0.611
Low literacy level 0.696 0.220 −0.931
Source: Field survey, 2018
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Umeh and Igwe: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among farmers
and unavailability of required input, poor extension
sustainable agricultural content, lack of necessary
capital for SAP, absence of government economic
incentive, and lack of awareness of SAPs.
Test of hypothesis
If F-cal F-tab, reject null hypothesis otherwise
accept the alternative. Therefore, since F-cal
(82.67) F-tab (3.71) at 0.05 level of significance,
the null hypothesis which stated that there is
no significant relationship between the farmers
socioeconomic characteristics and their adoption of
SAPs in agricultural production was rejected and
the alternative which stated that there is a significant
relationship between the farmers socioeconomic
characteristics and their adoption of SAPs in
agricultural production was accepted.
CONCLUSION
Result obtained from the study showed that the rural
farmers actually adopted some SAPs in the study
area to include crop rotation, compost manure, local
selling of produce, planting of tolerant varieties,
and managed grazing. It was also revealed that
socioeconomic characteristics actually influenced
adoption of SAPs though there were identified
constraints that limited the level of adoption of such
SAPs which if mitigated will enhance the adoption
of the SAPs in the study area.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings of the study, the following
policy recommendations were put forward;
i. Relevant agencies should ensure vigorous
dissemination of information to farmers
on available windows to low interest rate
agricultural credit facilities by the government
ii. Reform in land tenure system should be
facilitated to support adoption of SAPs
iii. Nigerian agricultural extension program should
be restructured to reflect sustainable agricultural
context and emphasis
iv. Farmers should be encouraged to seek
meteorological information to minimize risks
from adverse weather conditions. This will
encourage adoption of SAPs and ensure that
maximum result is achieved.
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