Owerri Agricultural Zone Research Articles

Determinants of Women Involvement in Agro Processing in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State: Implication for Food Security

The study assessed determinants of women’s involvement in agro-processing in Owerri agricultural zone of Imo State. The objectives are: to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the women farmers involved in agro-processing, determine the extent of women’s involvement in agro-processing, and ascertain the reasons for their involvement in agro-processing and the constraints to agro-processing activities. Multi–stage random sampling procedure was used to select 90 rural women farmers for the study. Structured interview schedules through the use of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Of all the variables tested: age (2.451***), income (14.237***), marital status (3.259***), farming experience (5.976***), farm size (2.951***) and information sources (1.629*) had a positive relationship with involvement in agro-processing activities. All the respondents admitted that their involvement in agro-processing activities has increased their financial contributions to their families. The major constraints to women’s involvement in agro-processing include inadequate capital, high cost of manual labour and low level of infrastructure (100%), low access to cooperative benefits (77.8%), inadequate processing equipment (67.7%) and poor access to training programs (44.4%). The significance of the regression (F ratio =22.835***) shows that women’s involvement in agro-processing activities is affected by their socioeconomic characteristics. It is strongly recommended that concerted actions should be taken by the government and agricultural institutions to make women-centric policies in the areas of fund availability, availability of infrastructure and extension services.

Analysis of net farm income and non-farm income of broiler farmers across different scale of production in Imo State, Nigeria

This study analyzed net farm income and non-farm income of broiler farmers across different scale of production in Imo State, Nigeria. Capital accumulation for reinvestment and expansion remains a challenge among broiler farmers in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted, and a total of 9 LGAs were purposively selected from the 3 zones (Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe zone). Stratified random sampling was used in selecting 26 small-scale and 9 medium-scale farmers from Owerri Agricultural zone for the study. In Orlu, 15 small-scale, 15 medium-scale and 6 large-scale of broiler farmers were selected, while 15 small-scale, 11 medium-scale and 3 large-scale broiler farmers were selected from Okigwe Zone. This gave a total of 113 broiler farmers selected from the chosen LGA's in the state. Out of 113 broiler farmers selected only a total of 100 responses were found useful for the study. Descriptive statistics, profitability ratio and net income model tools were employed for analyses in this study. The profitability result revealed that the large-scale broiler production has the highest return on naira used with 174% followed by medium-scale production with 47% return on naira used and the least was small-scale production with 33% return on naira expended. The result reveals that broiler farming in the study area is profitable and has the ability to offset its own cost, and still generate substantial return on naira used from every additional N1 spent no matter the scale of operation. The study also shows that net farm income of broiler farmers (N7,690,429.50 for small-scale, N 17,615,997.00 for medium-scale and N 142,674,200.00 for large-scale) is significantly greater than their non-farm income irrespective of scale ofoperation. In an attempt to raise the net-income of broiler farmers vis-a-vis more capital to scale-up broiler production, small and medium-scale operators are encouraged to diversify their productions with other livestock enterprises like layer production enterprise, turkey production enterprise and goat production enterprise.

Resource use efficiency of broiler production in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

The study analysed the resource use efficiency of broiler production in Owerri rural agricultural zone, Imo State. Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire, administered to 120 broiler farmers who were selected using two stage sampling techniques. Data were analysed using descriptive and econometric tools such as ordinary least square regression analysis to estimate the production function of the broiler farmers and allocative efficiency model to determine the resource use efficiency of the farm inputs in broiler production. The results showed that stock size, labour and depreciation were significant for output of broiler at 1 and 5% respectively. The results further showed that resources used to produce broiler were not efficiently and effectively utilized, most of the resources were either overutilized or underutilized in the production of broilers in the study area. The factors of production such as fixed assets (-54.31) and expenses on feed (-6.16) were overused while stock size (27.82), labour (630.47), and drugs/vaccines (5.7496) were underused. The results also showed that the returns to scale of broiler production was 1.055, showing an increase of 1% input used in the production will lead to a proportionate increase of 0.06% in the broiler output. The need to educate the farmers in the study area on the efficient use of farm input resources to achieve optimum output and increase profit was recommended. It was also recommended that government should provide long term credit access to broiler farmers to enable them to allocate resources more efficiently for optimal production.

Analysis of income distribution patterns of broiler farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the income distribution patterns of broiler farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to disaggregate the broiler farmers into different scale of production in the study area; determine the pooled income distribution patterns of broiler farmers in the study area; and to determine the income distribution patterns of broiler farmers across different scale of production. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted, and a total of 9 LGAs were purposively selected from the 3 zones. Stratified random sampling was used in selecting 26small-scale, 9 medium-scale and zero large-scale broiler farmers from Owerri Agricultural Zone for the study. In Orlu, 15 small-scale, 15 medium-scale and 6 large-scale of broiler farmers were selected, while 15 small-scale, 11 medium-scale and 3 large-scale broiler farmers were selected from Okigwe Zone using the same method. This gave a total of 113 broiler farmers selected from the chosen LGA’s in the state. Out of 113 broiler farmers selected for study only a total of 100 responses were retrieved from the field. The survey was conducted between June 2018 to November 2018. Data were collected on the socio-economic variables of the broiler farmers; scale of operation of broiler farmers; cost of broiler production, imputed cost and income; and revenue from broiler production. Use was made of Gini Coefficient, Lorenz curve, and Decile distribution. The result of this study revealed 3 scale of broiler operation with small-scale having 57%, medium-scale 34%, while large-scale is 9%. The study discovered that income was unequally distributed among the broiler farmers and this was confirmed by Gini coefficient value of 0.58 for small-scale broiler farmers, Gini coefficient value of 0.68 for medium-scale farmers, Gini coefficient value of 0.83 for the pooled income of broiler farmers across the state and deciledistribution of the pooled income in which 10th decile controls 77.39% of the total income of broiler farmers while 1st decile controls only 0.52% of the total income of broiler farmers. The Lorenz curve confirmed the existence of unequal distribution of income which is a deviation from the line of equality. In contrast, income gap among large-scale broiler farmers is very small, thus the distribution pattern can be regarded as relatively equal with a Gini Coefficient value of 0.25. The result reveals that the income gap among broiler farmers in Imo State is too wide to allow broiler farmers to transition from small-scale operation to large-scale which left majority of them as small-scale farmers.
 Keywords: Income distribution, broiler farmers and scale of operation.

Effect of maternal health programme on rural women agricultural activities in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the effects of maternal health programme on rural women agricultural activities in Owerri agricultural zone of Imo state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristic of rural women; identified the various agricultural activities rural women are involved-in; ascertained the perceived effect of maternal health programme on agricultural activities and identified the barriers of women in participating in maternal health programme in the area. Multistage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 120 women. Data was collected with structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Mean age was 37 years. Majority (92.50%) of the women were married with an average household size of 5 persons. Also, majority (75%) had primary education while a greater proportion (92.50%) were members of social organizations. Average farming experience and farm income were 17 years and ₦47,853 respectively. Majority (82.50%) had access to maternal and health care services. Planting (96.67%), transplanting (83.33%) and weeding (79.17%) were identified as the major agricultural activities they were involved-in. Result also showed that there were positive and significant effects of maternal health care programme on women agricultural activities in the area. There were significant increase in farm produce (mean = 3.90) and women involvement in agricultural activities (mean = 3.63) among other positive effects in the area. Estimated regression result showed that the socio-economic characteristic of the women influence their perceived effectiveness of maternal health programme in the area. The F-ratio was (6.591), indicating the overall significant of the regressor at 1% level of probability. The maternal health care programme has been invaluable to women in the area as well as enhancing their engagement in agricultural and entrepreneurship activities in the area. However, exorbitant charges (99.17%) and long distance between house and health care centre (95.83%) were barriers to participating in maternal health programmes. It was therefore recommended that high fees should be reduced and health centres be established closer to the women community as these would increase their access to maternal health programme and engagement in agricultural entrepreneurship activities in the area.Keywords: Maternal Health Programme, Rural women, Agricultural activities

Determinants of Credit Accessibilty by Farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone, Imo State, Nigeria

Determinants of Credit Accessibilty by Farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone, Imo State, Nigeria

Access to Credit by Vegetable Farmers in Nigeria: A Case Study of Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

Access to Credit by Vegetable Farmers in Nigeria: A Case Study of Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

Loan Size and Its Determinants as Critical Growth Factors for Rural Farmers in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria

This study analyzed the loan demand requirements of rural staple and poultry farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. Also, the factors affecting loan size were analyzed. In carrying out this cross-sectional study, data were collected with stratified sampling technique, using structured and pre-tested questionnaires from 100 loan beneficiaries and five financial institutions in the zone. The study lasted for a period of six months, effective April, 2010. Expect value method was used to determine their optimum loan requirement while OLS multiple regression analysis technique was employed in determining factors affecting loan size of beneficiaries. Results showed that the potent factors affecting loan size were farm size, level of education, enterprise type, farmers experience and dependency ratio. The result further indicated that the respondents were highly limited by capital as the financial institutions met only 60% of their capital needs. The optimum loan requirement determined for the farmers were N292, 315, and N435, 753 for Cassava and Yam farmers respectively, for farm size of 0.80 hectare. For poultry farmers of about 120 birds, the optimum loan requirement estimated was N492, 500. These figures would serve as reference points for financial institutions in loan administration of farmers of similar status and area. The financial institutions were admonished to consider providing start-up capital for the youths and fresh graduates, who apparently are yet to make in-road into farming as a business. On the other hand, government was urged to provide fiscal and monetary incentives to financial institutions supporting agriculture in view of the delicate nature of farm business.

Analyses of Small-Scale Turkey Production in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to analyse small scale turkey production in Imo State of Nigeria. Owerri agricultural zone of Imo State harbours most of the urban cities with large population thus providing greatest market for turkey in the area. Fifty farmers in turkey production constituted sample size for this study. The data used for analyses were collected via questionnaire and oral interview. The techniques of data analyses employed were Ordinary Least Square multiple regression analysis and descriptive statistics. The findings of the study show that turkey production is a profitable investment in the area. Educational qualification, credit availability and experience affected turkey production positively. An inverse relationship was observed amongst feed cost, management systems adopted labour cost and turkey production in the study area. Increasing credit investment into turkey production, while, reducing input cost and other cost of production are recommended for profitable venture in the study area.

Economics of oil bean (<i>Pentaclethra macrophylla</i>), seed marketing in Owerri Agricultural Zone , Imo State

The study assessed the economics of oil bean marketing in Owerri agricultural zone of Imo state. Forty- five marketers oil bean marketers were randomly selected from three markets of the study area. Primary data were collected using structural questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using statistical tools such as mean, frequency and cost and return analysis. Results show that oil bean seeds marketing in the area are dominated by female marketers (90.44%). The marketers earned positive net returns of N3065 per 50kg and N410 per 20kg bag of oil bean seeds from marketing operations. Major constraints of oil bean seeds marketing include seasonal availability of oil bean seeds, high cost and lack of interest in seed gathering from the wild. To alleviate the problems, feeder roads and provisions of improved varieties are recommended. Keywords: Oil bean, Marketers, Net returns, Agricultural Zone

Comparative economic analysis of snail production system in Owerri agricultural zone, Imo State, Nigeria

Comparative economic analysis of snail production system in Owerri agricultural zone, Imo State, Nigeria

Determinants Of Organic Fertilizer Use Among Small Holder Cassava Farmers In Owerri Agricultural Zone Of Imo State, Nigeria

This study focused on the determinants of the level of use of organic fertilizer among small holder cassava farmers in Owerri Agricultural zone of Imo State. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 64 randomly selected farmers, and analyzed using means, frequency distribution, percentages, net returns model and Ordinary least squares multiple regression model. Results of net returns analysis show that organic fertilizer use gave high returns to the cassava farmers. Determinants of organic fertilizer use were found to be output of cassava, farm size, occupation, level of education, farming experience, household size, social organization membership and extension contact. The extension service show mount campain regularly to create awareness on the part of farmers on organic fertilizer use, while the extension agents should be adequately motivated so as to properly train the farmers on the use of organic fertilizer for increased food production. Keywords : organic fertilizer use, cassava farmers Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 67-73

Gender Participation In Agricultural Production Activities In Owerri Agricultural Zone Of Imo State, Nigeria

The study examined gender participation in agricultural production activities in owerri agricultural zone of Imo State, Nigeria. Data for the study was collected with the aid of a questionnaire administered to 108 randomly selected respondents from the study area. Data analysis was by the use of frequency and percentages. It was found that women contributed more to labour activities on the farm than men. But men were more involved in the growing of yams. However, women were more involved in growing cassava, maize, melon, okra, fluted pumpkin, cocoyam, and groundnut. The study also found that men were more involved in land clearing, bush burning, gathering large stumps, and planting activities, whereas, women were more involved in weeding, harvesting, processing, marketing and fertilizer application. Keywords: gender participation, agricultural production activitiesJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 12 (2) 2007: pp. 73-76

Effect Of Fish Consumption On Alleviation Of Protein Deficiency In The Diet Of Households In Owerri Agricultural Zone, Imo State, South Eastern, Nigeria

The problem of malnutrition occasioned by low rate of animal protein intake on the daily nutritional needs of food consumers in Owerri Agricultural zone Southeastern Nigeria, was assessed. Owerri Zone being one of the three agricultural zones of Imo State south eastern Nigeria was selected because of the geographical spread of the inhabitants which covered all the three socioeconomic and cultural status of human dwellers namely; urban, semi urban and rural settlers. Results of this study revealed that level (s) of income of consumers in addition to cost, palatability and digestibility of fish have made fish more easily acceptable in the household menu of majority of the respondents than other animal protein foods. The results proved that majority of consumers (70.8%), get their fish purchased from the market, and the remaining fraction (29.2%), go theirs caught from the streams and rivers that transverse the Owerri Agricultural zone. Due to prevailing rural poverty and in search of daily living, there is increasing rate of rural-urban migration by youths who would have ordinarily increased the number of fishermen in the zone, thereby increasing the quantity of caught fish from the waters in the zone. Any government policy aimed at the establishment of fish pounds, storage and processing facilities in the zone, should be encouraged to create an enabling environment to investors and inhabitant of the area. Keywords: Fish consumption, Protein deficiency, and Households diets, Owerri Southeastern Nigeria.Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 12-20

Effectiveness Of Information And Communication Technology (Ict) Utilization Among Extension Agents

The study ascertained effectiveness of information and communication technology (ICT) utilization among extension agents in owerri Agricultural Zone Of Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 57 randomly selected respondents with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that extension agents were less effective in the utilization of information and communication technologies in Imo State, Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that there should be provision of adequate and sufficient fund to the agricultural agencies to obtained these ICT facilities and use it for other related activities. ICT-enabled extension service must be able to define it\'s key stakeholders and audience and jointly determine their needs. Apart from an ICT policy friend environment, government should introduce education, public service radio and TV channels with private sector support. Keywords : effectiveness, information and communication technology, utilization extension agents Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (2) 2007: pp. 146-151

Economics Of Non-Timber Forest Products Marketing In Selected Markets Of Owerri Agricultural Zone Of Imo State, Nigeria: A Case Study Of Oil Bean Seeds

The study assessed the economics of oil bean seeds marketing in the selected market of Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. One hundred and ten oil bean seeds marketers were randomly selected from eleven major markets of the study area. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Results show that oil bean seeds market is relatively dominated by female marketers (67%). The percentage gross marketing margins for wholesale and retail of oil bean seeds marketing were 32.30% and 41% respectively, while their percentage net margins were 24.93% and 22.64% respectively. The wholesalers earned positive net returns of N2,700.00 per 100kg of oil bean seeds from marketing operations while the retails earned positive net returns of N540.00 per 20kg oil bean seeds marketing operation. These earnings are very commensurate with wholesalers and retailers' marketing services. The determined economic efficiencies for wholesaling and retailing of oil bean seeds were 1.23 and 1.20 respectively. Major constraints to wholesaling and retailing of oil bean seeds include seasonal availability of oil bean seeds and high cost of oil bean seeds during the off-season. Key words: Non-timber products, oil bean seeds marketing, Owerri – Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences Vol. 3 (2) 2005 pp. 127-136

Analysis of land snail marketing in Owerri agricultural zone of Imo state, Nigeria

The study was conducted in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo state, Nigeria to assess the profitability of snail marketing during wet and dry seasons, examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the traders, identify and described the snail marketing channels and determine the economic efficiency of snail marketing for the seasons. Seven Local Government Areas (LGA) and seven major markets in the zone were randomly selected. Ten snail marketers were randomly selected from a list of snail marketers compiled for each Market. This gave a total of 70 respondents used for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data, while profitability principle, descriptive statistics and flow chart were employed to analyzing the data. Results showed that 59% of the respondents were aged between 40-45 years and 49% of them had no formal education. Thirty six (36) percent of the traders had 1-5 years experience in snail marketing. The total marketing cost for snail was N25,940 and N40,630 for wet and dry seasons, while the gross returns was N28,175 and N43,680 for the same periods respectively. The net returns were N2,235 and N3,050 for the wet and dry season respectively. The economic marketing efficiency for snail was 1.09 and 1.08 for wet and dry seasons respectively. The channel of distribution for snail was from producers/hunters to retailers and then consumers or from hunters to consumers. Snail marketing was found to be marginally efficient and may be attributed to the problems of marketing such as the nature of source of supply, poor storability and excessive price. Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2(2) 2006: 94-99

Marketing of plantain in Owerri agricultural zone of Imo State, Nigeria

The study focused on the marketing of plantain in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. The main objective of the study is to determine the rural- urban price ratio (farmers share) of plantain marketing in the study area. Data were collected from 60 traders from four markets in Owerri area namely: Eke Ukwu Owerri, Owerri relief market, Orie Amokohia and Nkwo Ukwu Ihiagwa. The study revealed that women play a major role in the marketing of plantain than men with the major motive of supplementing their family income. The farmers' share of 0.40 was obtained and this suggests that the farmers are not getting a fair share of the urban consumer price for plantain marketing in the study area.Keywords: market, farmers share, plantain, income, consumersJournal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 9(2) 2004: 35-39

Efficency of cassava processing techniques among rural women in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

The study identified, and analysed the different methods being used by the women in cassava processing, examine stages and time spent on each operation. The study was carried out in Owerri Agricultural zone of Imo State, Southeast, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty women cassava processors were chosen at random from 15 communities. Data were gathered through the use of interview schedule. Percentages and means were used in the data analysis. Three cassava processing methods were identified namely modern, traditional and a hybridized trado-modern methods. Six processed cassava products were identified and these were produced after about 15 operational processes depending on the product which include gari, akpu, akara-akpu, tapioca, starch and flour. The time spent on producing any of the products depend on the technique of processing adopted. An average of eleven and eighteen hours was spent on processing 100 kg of cassava tubers into gari product using trado-modern and traditional methods, respectively. Twenty eight hours was spent in processing cassava tuber into tapioca using traditional methods. It was discovered that using trado-modern and modern methods in cassava tuber processing were more efficient in terms of output, labour input and costs than traditional method. However, there existed no modern technology that can kick start and complete cassava tuber processing into any of the six products without relying on the traditional method. It is recommended that our engineers should construct low cost processing equipment that will reduce both the time on each operation and the tedious nature of cassava processing. (J Agric & Soc Res:2003 3(2): 84-96)

Performance evaluation of women farmer cooperative societies in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

The study assessed the performance of women farmer cooperatives in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State. Data were collected from 50 women farmer cooperators studied in four local governments within the Zone. Factors such as age of cooperators, family size, farm size, input costs and labour costs were identified to have significant influence on output level of women cooperators while factors such as level of education and membership strength were found to have no significant influence on the output level of women farmer cooperators. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others improvement in practice of channeling loans to rural women through cooperatives, adequate and timely provision of agricultural inputs to cooperatives, adequate supervision of cooperatives and creation of effective link between local government agricultural extension and state cooperative office as strategies to improve the efficiency and performance of women farmer cooperatives in the zone. (J Agric & Soc Res:2003 3(2): 97-107)