scholarly journals Are There Road Blocks to Access Micro-Credit From Selected Microfinance Banks in Delta State, Nigeria? Implications for Small Scale Farmers Sustainability!

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gbigbi Theophilus Miebi
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Logit Model ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cash Balance ◽  
Socioeconomic Characteristics ◽  
Cooperative Society ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

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.

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
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
North Central ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Human Labour ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Good Access

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.

scholarly journals Assessment of Use of Improved Production Technologies among Goat Farmers in Abia State Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. E. Onu
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Household Size ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Technology Application ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Socioeconomic Characteristics ◽  
Governmental Agencies ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Level Of Use ◽  
Production Technologies

The study provided an empirical evidence on the use of improved goat production technologies among rural farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondent, ascertain the extent of use of improved goat production technologies, determine factors influencing use of improved goat production technologies and identify the constraint to access and use of improved goat production technologies in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample size 120 respondents. Data for the study were collected through the use of questionnaire. The data collected for the study were analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the socioeconomic characteristics revealed the mean age of the respondents was 43 years, majority 69.16% of the respondents were married, about 45% had secondary education, a mean household size of 6 persons, majority 66.67% were farmers, mean years of arming experience at 5.7 years, mean income of #102,000, mean farm size of 11 goats and majority (78.33%) of respondents were non- members of cooperative societies. The result on extent of use of improved goat production technologies, revealed that the respondents highly used most of improved goat production technologies as affirmed with the grand mean of = 3.20. On constraint to use of improved goat production technologies, all the respondents 100% agreed that lack of access to credit was a constraint to use, 100% agrees on lack of credibility from source of technological information, 99.2% agreed that they were afraid of taking risk, 93.3% agreed on difficulty in technology application among others. The OLS regression estimates of the influence of socioeconomic characteristics the respondents on the use of improved goat production technologies in the study area, revealed that age at 10%, education at 1%, household size at 1%, farming experience at 1%, farm size at 1%, income at 1% and access to credit at 5% were the determinants of use of improved goat production technologies in the study area and the null hypotheses rejected. In conclusion, greater use of available improved technologies will promote productivity, and therefore there is need for proper sensitization and awareness by relevant agencies. The study recommended that credit should be made available to farmers by relevant governmental and non- governmental agencies to increase the level of use of available improved technologies.

scholarly journals Profitability analysis of paddy production: A case of agricultural zone 1, Niger State Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-92
Author(s):  
Madu Ali Bwala ◽  
Aniobi U John
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Rice Production ◽  
Variable Cost ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Profitability Analysis ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

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

scholarly journals Awareness and Constraints of Aquaculture Biosecurity Among Fish Farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-92
Author(s):  
Siyanbola A. Omitoyin ◽  
Kemisola D. Osakuade
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Juvenile Stage ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Fish Diseases ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Scale Of Operation

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.

scholarly journals Economic Efficiency and Its Determinants: A Case Study of Cowpea Production in the Western Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
M. D. Kuzhkuzha ◽  
A. A. Girei ◽  
H. S. Umar
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Inclusive Practice ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Short Run ◽  
Economic Efficiencies

Most farmers in Nigeria, cowpea farmers inclusive, practice subsistence farming with low productivity and consequent inefficiencies. Cowpea related researches have however, focused more on the technical efficiency and the enterprise profitability with little or no research on economic efficiencies, particularly in the study area. It is consequent upon this gap that this study estimated the economic efficiency level and assessed the influencing factors among cowpea farmers in the western agricultural zone of Nasarawa state, Nigeria. A sample size of 160 cowpea farmers was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. The data used was collected for the 2017 farming season using structured questionnaire and was analysed using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and tobit regression model. The study revealed that cowpea farmers in the study area operated on a small scale, at an average of 1.0 ha/farmer. Findings also indicated that, the mean technical (TE), allocative (AE) and economic efficiencies (EE) were:  0.31, 0.18 and 0.06 respectively. The implication of these results is that an average farmer in the study area has the scope for increasing TE by 69% in the short run under the existing technology.  An average farmer in the study area also has the scope of increasing their allocative and economic efficiencies by 82% and 94% respectively in the short run under the existing technology. The economic efficiency was only influenced significantly by the farm size. Education, farming experience, and extension visits were not significant determinants of the economic efficiency. The study recommends for  policies of government at all levels and those of all the stakeholders to discourage land fragmentation and promote efforts that encourage farmers to form strong cooperatives so that they can pool their resources together to increase their scale of operations and by so doing improve their cowpea production efficiency.

scholarly journals Farm Size, Risk Aversion and Overuse of Fertilizer: The Heterogeneity of Large-Scale and Small-Scale Wheat Farmers in Northern China

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Haixia Wu ◽  
Hantao Hao ◽  
Hongzhen Lei ◽  
Yan Ge ◽  
Hengtong Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Aversion ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Chemical Fertilizer ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Fertilizer Use ◽  
Deviation Degree ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

The excessive use of fertilizer has resulted in serious environmental degradation and a high health cost in China. Understanding the reasons for the overuse of fertilizer is critical to the sustainable development of Chinese agriculture, and large-scale operation is considered as one of the measures to deal with the excessive fertilizer use. Under the premise of fully considering the resource endowment and heterogeneity of large-scale farmers and small-scale farmers in production and management, different production decision-making frameworks were constructed. Based on the 300 large-scale farmers and 480 small-scale farmers in eight provinces of northern China wheat region, we analyzed the optimal fertilizer use amount and its deviation as well as the influencing factors of small-scale and large-scale farmers, then further clarified whether the development of scale management could solve the problem of excessive fertilizer use. The empirical results show that: (1) both small-scale farmers and large-scale farmers deviated from the optimal fertilizer application amount, where the deviation degree of optimal fertilizer application of small-scale farmers is significantly higher than that of large-scale farmers, with a deviation degree of 35.43% and 23.69% for small and large scale farmers, respectively; (2) not all wheat growers in North China had the problem of excessive use of chemical fertilizer, as the optimal level of chemical fertilizer application in Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia are 346.5 kgha−1 and 335.25 kgha−1, while the actual fertilizer use amount was 337.2 kgha−1 and 324.6 kgha−1, respectively; and (3) the higher the risk aversion level, farmers tended to apply more fertilizer to ensure grain output. Therefore, increasing farm size should be integrated into actions such as improving technological innovation and providing better information transfer to achieve the goal of zero-increase in Chinese fertilizer use.

scholarly journals Profitability of Small Scale Vegetable Production in Southern District, Botswana

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Sekgopa T. Kealeboga ◽  
Lagat K. Job ◽  
Tselaesele M. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Rural Households ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Eradication Programme ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Production Program ◽  
Extreme Poverty ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Multi Stage

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.

scholarly journals Socio-economic characteristics influencing small-scale farmers' level of knowledge on climate-smart agriculture in mahikeng local municipality, North West province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K.L. Setshedi ◽  
S. Modirwa
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
North West ◽  
Local Municipality ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Smart Agriculture ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

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

scholarly journals Economics and Technical Efficiency of Maize Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Abuja, Nigeria: Stochastic Frontier Model Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. S. Ebukiba ◽  
L. Anthony ◽  
S. M. Adamu
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Stochastic Frontier Model ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Model Approach

This study evaluated Economics and Technical Efficiency of Maize Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Abuja, Nigeria; Stochastic Frontier Model Approach; Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted and used. Primary data were collected through the use of well-structured questionnaire from one hundred and fifty (150) sampled respondents in the study area. Data were analyzed to achieve the specified objectives using the following tools of analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Stochastic Frontier, Gross Margin Analysis, Financial Analysis, Five Point Likert Scale, and Principal Components Analysis. The results show that majority 40.47% of the sampled respondents were among the age range of 41-50 years of age and 25.33% were within the age bracket of 31-40 years of age. The mean age of the sampled farmers is 44 years. Which indicated that Young and energetic farmers are able to withstand stress and adopt new innovations. Most 88.67% of the farmers were male. Majority 72.67% were married. The mean household size of the sampled respondents is 6 members per family. Majority (67%) of the small-scale maize farmers had 1-2 ha of land and the average farm size cultivated by the farmers was 2.576 ha. The factors influencing total output of maize were seed input (P<0.01), Farm Size (P<0.05), quantity of fertilizer (P<0.05), and labour input (P<0.01) were statistically significant variables. The results of the inefficiency components show that the factors influencing technical inefficiency includes: age (P<0.01), education (P<0.01), access to credit (P<0.05), farming experience, and household size (P<0.05) and were statistically significant. The total revenue realized by the sampled small-scale maize farmers was N238,317 on average. While the total variable costs on average basis was N109,702.93. The gross margin realized was N128667.07. The gross margin ratio was 0.54 while operating ratio calculated was 0.857 and the rate of return on investment (RORI) was 1.17. The retained component from the constraint’s analysis include Lack of Improve Seed, Lack of Transportation, Poor Storage Facilities, Inadequate Capital, and Cattle Herdsmen. The retained components explained 60% of the variation of the component included in the model. The study therefore, recommends that affordable loans and adequate capital should be made available to the small-scale maize farmers, farmers should be properly trained and educated by the non-governmental organizations and extension agents on chemical application, fertilizer use and pests and diseases control measures especially on integrated pest management (IPM). Inputs like improve seeds, fertilizer, and chemicals should be made available to farmers at subsidized rates and at appropriate time coinciding with production periods for proper usage. Provisions should be made for transportation and storage facilities for farmers, the issue of conflict between farmers and herdsmen should be brought to book and resolved amicably for peaceful coexistence.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) in Input Delivery in Southwest Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ibitunde Ibidun Olatohun ◽  
Farinde Akinloye Jimoh ◽  
Adereti Francis Oke
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Growth Enhancement ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
The Government ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
High Level ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

The study identified the problems of access to inputs by the small-scale farmers; and analyzed the structure and operations of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) on input supply to small-scale farmers in Southwestern Nigeria with the view to investigate the effectiveness of GESS in South western Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting 420 GESS farmers. The interview schedule was used to collect data which were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis to test the hypothesis. Results showed that the mean age of the small-scale farmers was 49.57±10.49 years and a high level, 75.70 per cent were males. A higher percentage (55.80%) showed a high level of identified problems of access to inputs. Analysis of the structure and operations of GESS on input supply showed that GESS was structured and operated by the government among the various stakeholders using the top-down approach. Out of the nineteen GESS effectiveness indicators, none was effective at solving the problems of inputs delivery to the respondents. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between the effectiveness of GESS and respondents' sex (χ2=46.159; p≤ 0.01). Correlation analysis showed a negative and significant relationship between the effectiveness of GESS and identified problems of access to inputs (r=-0.214, p≤0.001). It was concluded that GESS recorded a low level of effectiveness of GESS in the study area as a result of the high level of identified problems of access to agricultural inputs through GESS. The study therefore recommends that there should be better orientation for future likely programmes and a reorientation of the farmers about the GESS in which there will be more extensive sensitization and enlightenment, especially at the grassroots level, also that quantity of input supply be increased and that more inclusive participatory approach instead of top-down approach should be adopted for planning, execution and evaluation of the GESS programme.

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