| 1 |
Author(s):
Buhari Nazifi, Bello Nasiru Abdullahi, Sabiu Suleiman.
Page No : 1-13
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Stochastic Frontier Analysis of Hot Pepper Production among Small-Scale Farmers in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study used the Stochastic Frontier model to analyze hot pepper production among small-scale farmers in Dutsin-ma Local Government Area, Katsina State. Purposive and proportionate random sampling techniques were used to select 121 hot pepper farmers from whom the data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and stochastic frontier production function model. The result of the study shows that hot pepper production activity is dominated by male (99.2%) and married (95.0%) farmers whom are middle aged (Mean = 39 year) and most of them (about 53%) have household size of 1-10 persons, and an average farming experience of 13 years with a farm size average of 1.5 hectares. Majority of the hot pepper producers are engaged in its production for income generation while only few among them have access to credits. The result of the gross margin analysis (GM) shows that hot pepper farmers incurred total variable cost (TVC) of NGN138,703.6, and a return of NGN164,513.4 that yielded the profit of NGN25,809.8 per hectare of production and a return on investment of 1.28. The average technical efficiency (TE) of the farmers was found to be 80% among hot pepper farmers in the study area. Moreover the result of the frontier analysis shows that seed, labor and fertilizer are significant inputs determining hot pepper output. In addition to that inefficiency components of the frontier analysis revealed education, access to extension service, cooperative membership, Years of farming experience, farm size, and household size to be the significant determinants of efficiency of hot pepper production in the study area. The result also revealed that farmers in the study area are faced with major challenges of high costs of production inputs and problems of pests and diseases.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Amao Olufunmilola, Prof. Adenegan Kemisola.
Page No : 14-29
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Determinants of Income Inequality Sources among Women in Rural Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract
This paper applies the regression-based inequality decomposition approach to explore determinants of income inequality sources among women in rural Oyo State, Nigeria. A four-stage sampling procedure was used in the collection of primary data with purposive selection of two agricultural development programme zones in Oyo State of Nigeria. 150 respondents were eventually used for the study. Structured questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Shapley decomposition approach. Age and household size of women were 35.5±1.06 years and 8.0±0.59 persons, respectively. Most respondents (88.0%) were married and 43.3% were farmers with income of N24,196.76±11,897.90 per month. Sources that largely explain inequality were primary occupation (0.5551), farm size (0.2523) and household assets (0.0766) and the relative contributions of these factors sum up to 80%. Total inequality computed by the Gini index was 0.2206 and it implies that the contribution of the predicted residual term to income inequality in this case was 22.06%.The marginal contribution of the estimated income sources of the weighted mean with no negative values from level 1 to 12 were primary occupation, educational level, workers per household, number of assets and location with weighted marginal contribution of 0.0125, 0.0120, 0.0105, 0.0071 and 0.0053 respectively. Narrowing the gap between those at the top and the bottom of income distribution will reduce inequality in the households and the nation at large and that is the more reason this study needs attention because within group components overwhelmingly accounted for inequality compared to the between group components. The role of spatial inequality and policies that encourage entrepreneurship training and non-formal education for women in rural areas would be inequality reducing, and would tend to be more effective if additional policy instruments are used to target other sources of measured income inequality.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Anugwom Chinenye Georgina.
Page No : 30-51
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Agricultural Sector Output and Economic Growth Sustainability in Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the impact of agricultural sector output on economic growth and sustainability in Nigeria. The data for the study were extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin. The methodology adopted in the research is linear regression with the application of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Technique. The E-views 10 was the econometric software used for the research. The major findings of the study reveal that agricultural output contributes negatively and insignificantly to economic growth, government agricultural expenditures contribute negatively and insignificantly to economic growth, rainfall contributes negatively and insignificantly to economic growth and foreign direct investment in the agricultural sector contributes negatively and insignificantly to economic growth. It is therefore the recommendation of this paper that the government of Nigeria should encourage farmers by giving soft loans for agricultural activities. This will help farmers meet with financial needs in terms of purchasing some seeds, hiring machines, etc. thereby boosting massive agricultural production in Nigeria.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Nwaeboh Amarachi Vivian, Egwuonwu Helen Adeola.
Page No : 52-60
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Perceived Effects of Climate Variability on Crop Production in Imo State, Nigeria.
Abstract
The study assessed the effect of climate variability on crop production in Imo State, Nigeria. Climate variability have direct impacts that causes vulnerability to the natural and social systems through changes in average temperatures, temperature extremes and extreme weather events like flooding and droughts. The study described socio-economic characteristics of the crop farmers; ascertained crop farmers knowledge on climate variability; determined the perception of farmers on climate variability; examined the perceived effects of climate variability on food crop yield production. A multistage sampling procedure was used in the selection of one hundred and eighty-three (183) crop-based farmers. Structured questionnaire was used in obtaining data and the data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentage, means score and multiple regression analysis. Findings show that the mean age was 48.77years. Greater proportions (71.58%) were female. Majority (78.14%) were married with an average household size of 8 persons. Most (65.57%) had secondary education with an average farming experience of 21.18 years. Average farm size and farm income were 1.24 hectares and ₦33,000.00 respectively. Findings show that farmers had major knowledge of climate variability as zero/minimum tillage practices (99.45%) and knowledge on rain-water harvesting (97.81%) amongst others. Farmers perceived climate variability as (x̄ = 3.49), starts late and ends early (x̄ = 3.45), extremes in temperatures (x̄ = 3.39), too much/heavy rains (x̄ = 3.396) and long dry spells during the season (x̄ = 3.51) amongst others. Crop Farmers further perceived that climate variability has resulted to declining crop yields (x̄ = 3.35), increased water scarcity on farm (x̄ = 3.45), high incidences of pest and diseases (x̄ = 3.29), increased in rate of erosion/flooding (x̄ = 3.50) amongst others. The study strongly recommends that the extension services should be strengthened so as to pay farmers regular visits to ascertain their challenges on effects of Climate variability and know where to assist them.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ukeme P. Akra (Ph.D.), Bassey E. E., Etim A. C., Umondak U. J., Chiukpai A. I., Akpan U. A..
Page No : 61-73
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A Mixed – level Factorial Experiment to Elucidate the Impact of Inorganic Fertilizers on Crop Yield.
Abstract
Lack of nutrient in the soil affect soil fertility which can hinder the growth and yield of any crop. Therefore, soil amendment is important to improve soil nutrient either by organic or inorganic technique. In this paper, we considered different inorganic fertilizers to determine the main optimal effect and their interaction on the yield of crop by adoption of mixed – level factorial experiment. Three inorganic fertilizers namely Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) were considered each at different levels using tomatoes crop for investigation. We set – up a multiple linear model to match with the design. We estimated the model parameters with the error component and sums of squares. A 2×3×4 design structure for factorial combinations of factor N at two levels, factor P at three levels, and factor K at four levels using a randomized complete block design with three replications was developed. Normality of the data was tested and factors visualization for both main and interaction effects were illustrated by the use of graphs. Result revealed that Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) concentration are significant while Phosphorous (P) concentration is not, and the effect of two – factor interactions for NP and PK are not significant and NK is significant which signified that the yields does not depend on the levels irrespective of the factor. Based on the results, we concluded that phosphorous is the best inorganic fertilizer than Nitrogen and Potassium in terms of soil nutrient for the yield of crop.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Nimiye C. Morgan , Prince E. Kainga.
Page No : 74-89
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Effect of Pre-Harvest Losses on Profitability of Plantain Production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Abstract
The study examined the effect of pre-harvest losses on profitability of plantain farmers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio economic characteristics of plantain farmers, examine pre-harvest losses of plantain on profitability and determine factors that influences pre-harvest losses of plantain. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select five (5) Local Government Areas (Yenagoa, Ogbia, Kolokuma-Opokuma, Sagbama and Southern Ijaw) purposively based on their predominance in commercial plantain farmers and six (6) communities each from the 5 LGAs respectively. Furthermore eight (8) plantain farmers in each community making a total number of two hundred and forty (240) plantain farmers. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit the required information from the selected respondents. The result indicates that 55.1% of the respondents fall between age ranged of 31-50 with the mean age of 44 years. Male (51.9%) dominated plantain production in the study area. Majority of the plantain farmers were married (60.0%), 95.5% had formal education, 60.0% had 1-15 years of farm experience, 77.9% were part-time farmers, 98.3% had family size of 1-10 persons in their households with the mean of 5 persons, 56.7% had farm size of 2-4 hectares. The result further shows that 56.7% used hired labour while 86.7% had no month contact with extension agent. Sucker, fertilizer, household size, and educational level had significant relationship with plantain production at various probability levels indicating profitability. Based on the findings, it was therefore, recommended that there is need for the farmers to put up parameter fencing to prevent theft cases which is extremely high and adversely affects net farm income. However, government and non –governmental organization can support in terms of granting farmers soft loans in putting such to reduce the burden.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Samuel Ifeanyi Samson, Theophilus Miebi Gbigbi (Ph.D.).
Page No : 90-104
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Unlocking the Potential of Agriculture through Land Tenure Security: Lessons from Delta State, Nigeria.
Abstract
The research study delved into the intricate relationship between land tenancy security and its impact on investments and agricultural output among crop-producing farmers. The investigation involved 180 participants selected through a multistage random selection process. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine the data for this study, which was based on information gathered from primary sources utilizing a structured questionnaire According to the findings, the majority of participants were male, with an average age of 36 years. Additionally, most respondents were married and literate. On average, the farmers had 16 years of farming experience, and a significant proportion were members of agricultural associations. The average size of smallholder farms was 1.90 hectares. Land acquisition methods varied, with lease, communal, and inheritance being the primary modes. Notably, de jure and de facto indicators stood at 3.9% and 50%, respectively. The tenure security over their farmlands is estimated to be at 55.9% for smallholder farmers Age, farm size, household size, farming experience, crop diversification, credit availability, income, and the status of land ownership security were the variables that had an impact on crop production. The study also highlighted the significant impact of land ownership security on farm investment, with access to credit, income, education level, farming experience, farm size, land ownership security status, and the availability of extension services emerging as contributing factors. In light of these findings, the study advocates for legislative amendments to the Land Use Act of 1978. The proposed changes aim to enhance the security of land ownership, ultimately fostering a more conducive environment for agricultural investments.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Buba Baba Shani.
Page No : 105-121
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Evaluation and Optimization of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Sustainable Farm Machinery Operations in Northern Nigeria.
Abstract
This study aimed to assess and optimize hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) integrating solar and wind energy for sustainable farm machinery operations in Northern Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to select representative farms and agricultural sites within the Kaduna region. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and surveys with farm owners and operators to gain insights into energy use practices, challenges, and perceptions regarding renewable energy adoption. The comparative analysis of different HRES configurations revealed that Configuration C, with the highest solar (20 kW) and wind capacities (15 kW), achieved the highest renewable energy fraction of 90% and the lowest annual cost of $14,800. Configuration B, with increased capacities (15 kW solar and 10 kW wind) and a battery capacity of 200 kWh, achieved an 85% renewable fraction and reduced the annual cost to $16,200. The cost-benefit analysis confirmed that HRES are economically viable and offer significant environmental advantages compared to conventional diesel generators. These findings underscore the potential for optimizing energy resources to achieve higher renewable energy fractions and lower operational costs. The study provides practical recommendations for promoting HRES adoption, highlighting the necessity for financial support, technical training, and robust policy frameworks to facilitate the transition towards sustainable energy solutions in agriculture.
