scholarly journals Analysis of the challenges of small-scale farmers’ access to labor in North Central Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 15-20
Author(s):  
O.S Akintobi

The study analyzed the challenges experienced by small-scale farmers’ in accessing human labour in North Central Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used for sample selection while questionnaires were used for data collection. A total of 1,750 farmers were randomly interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way factorial analysis of variance and mean separation was done at 5% probability level. Result revealed small scale farmers perceived a lack of access to human labour for agricultural activities in the zone while mean separation showed Niger state has the highest access to labour while Abuja and Kwara states are the least state with access to labour. High cost of labour, lack of fund and scarcity of labour are the major challenges experienced by the farmers in accessing labour for agricultural production. Based on the findings, the research concluded that small scale farmers do not good access to labour while facing serious challenges which has resulted into increased cost of production for the small-scale farmers. The study recommends among others that combine hiring should be encouraged among farmers for the adoption of expensive labour saving technologies/ implements.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-173
Author(s):  
Olarenwaju S. Akintobi ◽  
Julius Ajah ◽  
Edwin E. Edu

The study evaluated small-scale farmers’ access to human labour in North Central Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used for sample selection while questionnaires were used for data collection. A total of 1,750 farmers were randomly interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-way mixed factorial analysis of variance and mean separation was done at 5% probability level. Result revealed labour wage per rate significantly (P < 0.05) dependent on the labour category, the location (state) and the effect of both human labour type and location (state). Mean separation showed adult male is the highest paid while young female is the least paid, while Kwara State has the highest labour wage rate and plateau State has the lowest wage rate per day. Based on the findings, the research concluded that small scale farmers access to labour based on wage rate is low, cost of agricultural labour is high which has resulted increased cost of production for the small-scale farmers. The study recommends among others that combine hiring should be encouraged among farmers for the adoption of expensive labour saving technologies/ implements


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gbigbi Theophilus Miebi

The study was carried out to investigate the factors that affect small scale farmers to access fund and utilized for greater efficiency in production in Delta State, Nigeria. The logit model was used to analyze the data. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used for the study. Charts were used to analyze the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers. About 120 farmers were interviewed using pretested questionnaire. The study showed that sex, education, farm size, cash balance, collateral, frequency of transaction and membership of cooperative society were positive and significant at 1%, 5% and 10% probability levels respectively. The coefficient of age, interest rate, household size and distance were negative and significant at 10% and 5% levels. The results of the study call for policies aimed at encouraging microfinance banks to consider the farmers in accessing credit to increase their output, income and productivity in the study area.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-92
Author(s):  
Madu Ali Bwala ◽  
Aniobi U John

This study estimated the profitability of rice production among small scale farmers in Bida agricultural zone of Niger state. The study utilized a multi-stage random sampling technique to select a total of one hundred and five (105) rice farmers in the area. The data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire from four communities in the study area. Descriptive statistics and farm budgeting tools were used for the analyses. The descriptive analysis showed that the farmers are highly productive between the age range of 37- 48 years. Furthermore, results also revealed land area cultivated by the farmers to be generally below two hectares. The finding further revealed the variable cost per hectare for rice production to be $126,100 per production cycle, while total revenue of $227,500 was realized by the respondents. The results also revealed cost of labour to account for the largest portion (54.0%) of the total variable cost. This is followed by the cost of seed, fertilizer, transportation, herbicide, pesticide and bagging. The farm budgeting analysis revealed the costs and returns of rice production to be profitable with a gross margin of $101,400 and net farm profit of $98,546.4. The gross profit ratio was calculated to be 0.45 which implies that farmers are selling their rice produce at a relatively high profit percentage. Based on the results obtained from the study, it was concluded that rice production in Bida Agricultural Zone of Niger State is profitable. Hence, the cultivation of rice is an important enterprise that should be encourage, considering the fact that it is a major staple. It is therefore recommended that timely availability of farm inputs such as improved seed variety and agrochemicals will further boos trice production in the area. Furthermore, provision of credit facilities to small scale farmers is a viable policy to be pursuedJ. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(1): 88-92, April 2018


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-92
Author(s):  
Siyanbola A. Omitoyin ◽  
Kemisola D. Osakuade

The study investigated the level of awareness and constraints the farmers were facing in adopting effective biosecurity measures in Ekiti State. Primary data were collected using multi-stage sampling technique to randomly select 150 fish growers, out of which 144 questionnaires were recovered. Analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, four-point Likert scale and multiple regression. The result showed that 76.4% of the fish farmers with mean age of 40.48±10.28years were married, 61.1% owned the land on which they farm their fish, 73.6% operated as small scale fish farmers with farm size of <1 hectare. About 91.0% knew about fish diseases, the main source of pollution on the farm was flooding while some (61.1%) experienced outbreak of fish diseases at juvenile stage. High cost of facilities, lack of financial assistance, poor knowledge on biosecurity, expensive laboratory charges and inadequate monitoring by extension agents was perceived as the major constraints. The farmers need financial help to get adequate facilities and to enlarge their scale of operation. Adequate extension services to enlighten them on the effective biosecurity measures should be adopted.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Sekgopa T. Kealeboga ◽  
Lagat K. Job ◽  
Tselaesele M. Nelson

Government determination to eradicate extreme poverty and food insecurity among Batswana through small scale vegetable production program appears not to transform their economic stance. Rural households that are part of Poverty Eradication Programme were investigated to determine if backyard gardens were profitable enough to improve incomes, reduce extreme poverty, and increase food security. The study aimed at analysing profitability and identifying factors that affect profitability of backyard gardening. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from 100 rural households who are part of the backyard garden scheme. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and regression analysis. Results indicated that backyard gardening was a viable activity though profitability was affected by amount of fertilizer applied, market availability and area planted. Beneficiaries indicated that the production and marketing constraints they faced included pests and diseases, lack of water, lack of market and poor prices. Program leaders must recognize the production and marketing constraints themselves as well as plan for the possibility that continual financial support for investment in the initial years of operation.


Author(s):  
K.L. Setshedi ◽  
S. Modirwa

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to identify knowledge gaps and the level of knowledge on climate-smart agriculture among small-scale farmers in Mahikeng Local Municipality. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 170 respondents from a population size of1449. A descriptive and quantitative research design was used for this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Most respondents were males, married, had high school education and farming experience of more than 20 years. Livestock farming, was found to be the main agricultural activity amongst the respondents. Knowledge test statements revealed that, respondents had a low level of knowledge about climate-smart agriculture. Age, access to climate information, farm income per month and access to off-farm income had statistically significant relationships with respondents' level of knowledge on climate-smart agriculture. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that, there should be training and education activities which should be implemented to assist small-scale farmers in Mahikeng Local Municipality in increasing their knowledge on climate-smart agriculture. Keywords: Climate-smart agriculture, Knowledge, Small-scale farmers, Socio-economic characteristics


Agro-Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
F.C. Okoronkwo ◽  
S.C. Onya ◽  
J.E. Amah

This study was designed to comparatively examine the profitability of small and medium scale cassava and palm fruit processing in Abia State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 50 cassava and 50 palm fruit processors to give total respondents of 100. Simple descriptive statistics such as means and percentages, cost and returns analysis and Z-test were adopted in analyzing the data. The socioeconomiccharacteristics of the processors showed that middle aged persons between 25 and 54 accounted for majority (70% and 60%) of the respondents for cassava and palm fruit processors respectively. Also majority (60% and 64%) of the respondents were female. The majority of the respondents (60% and 54%) of the cassava and palm fruit processors had at least secondary education implying that the processing business was dominated by literates/elites. Cassava processors gained monthly net returns of N308,000 as against N 227,000 realized by palm fruit processors, indicating that cassava processing is more profitable than palm fruit processing. In view of its contribution to this paper, the following are recommended: a re-establishment of active processing firms which are income-spinning ventures; on the macro-level, government should discourage the exportation of competing products which has a multiplier effect on the operations of the firms and as such protect them from harsh competitions capable of weakening their profit performances. Key words: This study was designed to comparatively examine the profitability of small and medium scale


Author(s):  
Leandri Kruger

Hazard-prone areas in southern Africa experience many natural hazards, which include cyclones, floods and droughts. The severe climatic conditions of southern Africa have an especially large impact on the agricultural practices of small-scale farmers. These hazards should be mitigated to ensure more resilient communities and food security. This study mainly focuses on the timing of agricultural production in hazard-prone areas to prevent losses at peak-risk periods by adapting the agricultural cycle. This study focuses on the agricultural activities of small-scale farmers in Malawi, Madagascar and Mozambique. A literature review is presented, and a mixed-method research design were followed to determine the timing of production followed by these small-scale farmers and its impact on production and food security. Although this study found that the small-scale farmers generally plant with the first rains, it is recommended by literature that early planting should be practised to ensure optimal production. It is also recommended that small-scale farmers should implement watermanagement techniques for dry periods, and when farmers practice late planting, the use of residual-moisture retention should be utilised as a mitigation measure. This will in effect ensure that the communities are less vulnerable during peak-risk periods by improving or ensuring food security. Therefore, adapting the planting and production time in these hazardprone areas at peak-risk periods could limit losses and increase communities’ resilience.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document