Malaria and agriculture: Evidence of relationship and labour/income loss among rural rice-farming households in Nigeria

Abstract

The present study examines relationship between malaria and labour/income loss in rice production. Also, factors influencing sickness absence and choice of care provider among rice farming households in Nigeria were analyzed. Multistage sampling technique was employed in data collection where 570 rice farmers were selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Tobit regression model and Multinomial Logit model (MNLM). Marital status, number down with malaria, malaria perception waiting time, choice of caregiver and hired labour availability significantly influenced sickness absence rate, while the choice of malaria care provider was influenced by household size, education, clinic distance, treatment cost, and malaria perception for public hospital over self-medication. More clinics should be provided in the hinterland for prompt treatment of malaria. Policies to address rice output increase or rice farmers’ productivity enhancement should be in consonance with health policies in rural Nigeria where the majority of the farmers reside.