Perceived Effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda on Livelihood of Cocoa Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the perceived effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) on cocoa farmer’s livelihood in Osun State. Multi stage sampling technique such as purposive and simple random techniques were used for the selection of 120 respondents. Questionnaire instrument was used to collect data from the respondents and data analysis was carried out using descriptive (frequency counts, mean and percentages) and inferential (Pearson Product Moment Correlation) statistics. Results showed that average farm size was 2 acres. The major source of labour used by some of the respondents (37.5%) was family labour. The study revealed that more than half (68.3%) of the respondents had high knowledge of ATA programme and majority (61.7%) of the respondents utilize it. Majority (66.7%) of the respondents had various challenges against the utilization of ATA inputs. There was a significant relationship between the respondents’ farm size (r=0.387, p>0.000), years of farming experience (r=0.351, p>0.000), ATA inputs accessibility (r=0.734, p>0.000), utilization (r=0.720, p=0.000) and the perceived effect on their livelihood. The respondents had high level of knowledge about ATA programme with a favorable attitude towards ATA, though, the inability to access ATA inputs posed limitation on its utilization. It is recommended that ATA workers should pay necessary attention to the needs of the farmers in the study area and also employ well skilled extension agents to guide farmers to access and utilize ATA inputs effectively. Continuous family farming is encouraged to boast labour and reduce cost .