Effects of social network on production output of maize farmers in Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Social is as a veritable factor for getting access to resources. Thus, the effect of social network on productivity of maize farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria was investigated. Primary data were collected from one hundred and fifty maize farmers using a multistage random sampling procedure. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Total Factor Productivity and Least square (LS) regression. Results showed that labour contribution and decision making index of farmers are the only significant variables affecting productivity. Results of the two stage least square reveals the exogeneity of social capital. The existence of bi-directional causality between social capital and maize farmers' productivity indicated the absence of direction of cause-and-effect contrary to a common presumption and thus confirms the exogeneity of social capital. The study recommends that farmers in the rural areas should improve involvement in local level institutional and participate in decision making process geared towards reducing poverty, which consequently will improve agricultural productivity at large.