Poor Extension Services Research Articles

ASSESSING YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE IN YOLA-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE

The study examined youth involvement in agriculture in Yola-North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 230 farmers using a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that the most (52.61%) of respondents were male, with an average age of 21 years. Most respondents (55.22%) were single with an average household size of 4 persons. Educationally, 2.61% had primary education, 7.39% had secondary education, 52.61% had diploma, and 37.39% had HND/Degree, indicating that all the respondents were educated. Additionally, most respondents earned between N40,000 and N200,000 annually. Factors influencing youth participation in agriculture revealed that age and sex were positive and significant at 1% level (P<0.01), while educational level was negative but significant at 10% level (P<0.1). Constraints identified included lack of government assistance, insufficient capital, poor road access, inadequate feed supply, poor extension services, and poor marketing prices. Sex (male) and age were positively associated with youth participation in agriculture, whereas the lack of government support was a significant barrier preventing youth from engaging in agricultural activities. The study recommends that inputs such as agrochemicals and credit should be made available on time and at subsidized rates by both governmental and non-governmental organizations to make agriculture more appealing to youths. Furthermore, the government or relevant institutions should strictly monitor and supervise any development or empowerment initiatives to prevent mismanagement by involved dignitaries.

Agro-Pastoral Youth Participation in Livelihood Activities, Development Programs and Interventions in East and West Hararghe Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to identify the status and determinants of male and female youth participation in selected livelihood activities, development programs and interventions in agro-pastoral areas of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional research design and mixed methods research approach were employed. A multi-stage random sampling strategy was followed to select four agro-pastoral Woredas (A ‘Woreda’ is an administrative unit equivalent to a District), 12 Kebeles (A ‘Kebele’ is the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia. A Woreda/District consists of several Kebeles) and 398 youth aged 15–29 years for a face-to-face interview. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics and an econometric model (Logistic regression) estimation. We found that whereas male youth had better access to land, participation in extension/advisory services and Farmers’ Training Centers (FTCs), agricultural training, and NGOs, female youth had better participation in non-/off-farm livelihood activities and Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP). Our findings indicated that lack of access to financial resources, limited access to land, poor extension and rural advisory services, limited skills development programs and mentorship were key factors affecting youth participation. Other factors include: targeting criteria, discrimination (e.g. on the basis of gender, social structure), cumbersome organizational procedures and requirements, limited availability and capacity of supporting organizations, poor infrastructural developments, mismatch between needs and services provided, conflict, and climate-induced shocks and uncertainties. To overcome these challenges, local and regional governments and their development partners operating in the area should implement a multi-stakeholder, participatory, co-design and development of programs, projects and interventions to enhance collaboration, youth engagement and benefit. Investments in capacity-building and alternative income-generating activities, entrepreneurship education and business skills training are also important.

EFFECT OF INPUT USE EFFICIENCY OF RICE PRODUCTION AMONG BENEFICIARIES AND NON-BENEFICIARIES OF ANCHOR BORROWERS’ PROGRAMME IN KADUNA STATE NIGERIA

This study investigates the effect of input use efficiency of rice production among beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries of Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor borrowers’ programme (ABP) in Kaduna State. Multistage sampling procedure include the purposive selection of the three Local Government Areas (LGAs): Kaduna South, Chukun, and Igabi where rice production is prominence in the state; two communities was randomly selected from each of the three selected LGAs to give a total of six selected communities. Finally, 110 each of upland rice farmers who were RIFAN and NON-RIFAN member beneficiaries of ABP were randomly selected from the targeted communities. Descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier model were used in analyzing data collected for the study area. The findings revealed that there were no significant differences between the socio-economic characteristics of both categories of farmers. Findings revealed that beneficiaries of ABP technical efficiency scores ranged from 0.71 and 1.00 with an average of 0.91. The scores for their allocative and economic efficiency ranged from 0.62 - 0.99 and 0.44 - 0.99 with an average of 0.93 and 0.85, respectively. While for the non-beneficiary rice farmer of the ABP, technical efficiency scores ranged from 0.52 and 0.89 with an average of 0.81. The scores for their allocative and economic efficiency ranged from 0.57 – 0.97 and 0.39 - 0.72 with an average of 0.76 and 0.65, respectively. From the finding it can be concluded that the mean technical, allocative and economic efficiencies for of both beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries were below the frontier of one. The three most critical constraints for beneficiary and non-beneficiary were lack and poor extension services, high cost of inputs, and untimeliness of inputs distribution for beneficiary, and insufficient planting seeds for non-beneficiary. It is therefore recommended that government at the federal, state and local government levels should provide adequate extension services to rice farmers and also rice farmers should be encouraged by the extension agents to join and participate in cooperative societies so that Government and NGOs can easily reach out to them through this medium.

Assessing the efficiency of smallholder wool farmers in the changing paradigms of the Free State province of South Africa

The South African population is predicted to increase to almost 66 million by 2030. This necessitates paradigm shifts to improve agricultural efficiency. However, South African wool production has continuously declined over the past three decades. The study analysed the efficiency of smallholder wool farmers and identified the determinants of technical inefficiency in wool production in Thaba ‘Nchu and Botshabelo in the Mangaung Metro (Free State province, South Africa). A multistage sampling technique was used to select 351 participants. A stochastic frontier model was employed to analyse the efficiency of wool farmers. The results indicate that increases in feed and veterinary costs negatively affect the efficiency of smallholder wool production. Wool quality and use of social media were found to have a negative and statistically significant influence on the variation in the inefficiency of wool production (i.e., as these variables increase, inefficiency decreases). Poor extension services and poorly managed farmers’ associations increase the inefficiency of smallholder wool producers. Furthermore, only 7% of smallholder farmers were efficient, and most smallholder wool farmers were not producing at full capacity; there is thus much room to improve production. To increase the efficiency of smallholder wool production in Mangaung, it is recommended that farmers are trained to improve the quality of their wool and, consequently, increase the wool price. Further recommendations include improvement of extension services, better management of farmers’ association

COMMERCIAL LAYING HEN PRODUCTION AND EGG VALUE CHAIN MAPPING IN NORTHERN ETH

<p><strong>Background:</strong> In Ethiopia, commercial farms have increased in farm size, and the majority of the large-scale poultry farms are concentrated around Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia. <strong>Objective:</strong> To assess poultry production, map value chains and identify major production challenges in Northern Ethiopia. <strong>Methodology:</strong> A multistage sampling technique along with a proportionate sample size determination method was used to fix the sample size. Accordingly, 147, 109 and 64 poultry producers were selected from semi-intensive, small-scale, and medium-scale farms, respectively. Nine focus group discussions comprising relevant stakeholders were conducted. <strong>Result:</strong> The earlier age at first egg-laying in weeks was reported as 16.7 ± 0.93 in the medium-scale production system. A high laying percentage of 85.47 <strong>± </strong>5.01 was recorded in the medium-scale and the highest mortality 23.5 <strong>± </strong>8.8 was in semi-intensive. The price of eggs varied by about +38% in November 2019/2020 and negatively changed price by -22% in May 2019/2020. In a ranking exercise, feed cost, feed quality, product marketing, disease, predator, and lack of information and training were ranked top five. Further risk factors were ranked, accordingly, lack of vaccine, poor biosecurity measures, and management were ranked as major causes. <strong>Implication: </strong>The government and private sector should promote improving the feeding habit of the community and improve the management practice. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The high price of feed ingredients, limited access to veterinary services, poor market linkages in the value chain, poor feeding habits, and poor extension services aggravated by a lack of awareness of producers were the most important challenges affecting commercial production.</p>

Comparative Analysis of the Profitability of Cassava Value Added products in Ondo State, Nigeria

Value addition in agriculture remains an icing on the cake, and a sustainable pathway to economic growth and investment. However, in the quest to add value to agricultural produce, profitability is a great criterion to the choice and preference of various value additions. This study compared the profitability of value-added cassava products in Ondo state, Southwest Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 110 respondents. Primary data were collected and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistic (Profitability/Budgetary analysis and ANOVA). The results revealed that cassava roasted granules, Fufu and cassava flour were the common cassava value addition. Results of the profitability analysis revealed that processing cassava to pupuru (GM = ₦11,520) and cassava flour (GM = ₦10,860) were the most profitable cassava value addition. Lack of adequate technologies (x̅ = 0.96) and poor extension services (x̅ =0.93) were the major constraint to cassava value addition. Also, there was no significant differences (F = 3.107, ρ≥0.05) in the profits from the value-added products across the communities. The study therefore concluded that value addition is profitable in cassava, hence concerted efforts should be made by stakeholders in encouraging and enhancing value addition policies for agricultural produce especially cassava.

ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN GROUNDNUT PRODUCTION IN HAWUL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed women participation in groundnut production in Hawul local government area of Borno State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in drawing 100 respondents for this study. Information was collected using structured questioners. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, description statistics used include: frequencies, means and percentages, the inferential statistics used was multiple regression model. The farm size of women in groundnut production where that majority (54%) had less than 5ha, 23% had 9 to 12ha, 12% had 9 to 12ha and 9% had 13 to 16ha. The cultivated/ yield of groundnut produced by women where majority of 51% obtained 6 to 10 bags of unshelled groundnut, 37% gained11 to 15 bags, 12% had 1 to 5 bags. Farming experience was found out to be 45% had 9 to 12 years, 25% had 4 to 8 and the least 7% had 17 years and above. It was discovered that 78% had no extension contact, 22% had no access. For access to credit, 69% had access to credit and 31 had no access. The participation of women in ground nut production were accessed and presented in percentages and also ranked. It was gathered that; seed sorting, storage of harvested groundnut, land clearing was having the highest participation (78, 76 and 74) (1st 2nd and 3rd). The least where marketing, oil extraction and value addition (48, 45 and 43) (10th, 11th and 12th). The most problem faced by women in groundnut production where; gender biasness in accessing loan, societal setbacks, restricting accessing to farm land (97, 96, and 95) (1st 2nd and 3rd). The least problem faced where; climate change, poor extension services and theft (96, 72 and 68) (8th 9th and 10th). All the socio-economic variable were positive and significant at P≤0.01 and P≤0.05. Young women constituted the majority of women in groundnut production. It was recommended that government should create an avenue where the groundnut farmers can receive financial support; Access to credit and access to extension where very poor; and policy makers should provide adequate credit facilities and access to extension.

Socio-economic analysis of coffee growers in Gulmi district of Nepal

Coffee is a major plantation cash crop of hills of Nepal. Gulmi is one of the popular districts for coffee production and export in Nepal. This research is an attempt to assess the production potentiality and profitability of coffee in Gulmi district. This study was carried out in four rural municipalities of Gulmi district namely Ruru rural municipality, Dhurkot rural municipality, Satyawoti rural municipality and Musikot municipality. A total of 100 samples (25 from each rural municipality) were selected using simple random sampling technique. Face to face (FtF) interview method was used to collect primary data using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The economic indicators of coffee production like gross revenue, gross margin, benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and profitability index (PI) were calculated. BCR and PI were found to be 2.84± 0.59 and 2.50± 1.25, respectively. Gross margin per ropani was calculated to be NRs. 15675.29 ± 7189.72. The contribution of coffee in total household income was 12% in Gulmi showing it to be one of the major influencing commodities. The major production problem was found to be insect attack in the district while the major marketing problem was the low market price. The insights of this research were that coffee has the potentiality to uplift the rural income of Gulmi but at the same time there were poor extension services for coffee growers such that farmers had shown dissatisfaction towards coffee enterprise. Therefore, effective package of production and value chain monitoring should be introduced by the Nepal government in order to address the production and marketing constraints of coffee producers.

RESOURCE-USE EFFICIENCY OF RICE PRODUCTION IN KURA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Rice is an important crop to the Nigerian economy. However, the level of inputs used in its production are not at the optimum level. This study examined the resource use efficiency of rice producers in Kura LGA of Kano State, Nigeria. Data used for the study was obtained by scheduled interview using structured questionnaires administered to 115 respondents selected using a simple random sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Results obtained revealed that the mean age of the farmers was 31 years, most of the farmers were male, educated and with farming experience of 8 years. Results for profitability of rice production showed that the net farm income for rice production was N176922.2 with a return to Naira investment value of 2.7. This implies that 1N invested on rice production would give a return of N1.7. Results for regression analysis showed that farm size, agrochemicals, and labour had a significant effect on output. Analysis of return to scale was 4.5. This indicates an increasing return to scale with increased use of input resources. Results for resource-use efficiency revealed that farm size, agrochemicals, seed quantity, and labour were under-utilized. Further analysis showed that inadequate capital and poor extension service delivery affected rice production. The study recommended improvement on extension service delivery. The government, Non-governmental organizations and farmer organizations were advised to educate the farmers on appropriate use of farm inputs and ensure the availability of these inputs to farmers at subsidized prices. Farmers could be provided with soft agricultural loans to finance purchase of equipment and production inputs.

Effects of vegetable production on income and livelihood of rural households in Nigeria

Aims: The growing level of food insecurity and poverty in developing nations, especially among rural households, requires more effort and measures to curb it. Engaging in vegetable production by rural households can play a significant role in alleviating poverty, improving their nutritional status and livelihood. This study, therefore, investigates the effect of vegetable production on rural farmers’ income and households’ livelihood in Nigeria.Methods and Results: Data collected from 400 vegetable farming households were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The results revealed that vegetable farming is a female-dominated venture (89.4% females). The regression results revealed that vegetable output had a positive and significant effect on rural households’ income. Other factors that influenced farmers’ income were household size, access to credit and farm size. Furthermore, vegetable production had positive effects on rural households’ livelihood by providing employment, income, basic needs, food, paying for school fees, improving their nutritional status and standard of living. Pests and diseases, poor storage facilities, post-harvest loss, inadequate credit facilities, high cost of inputs, poor knowledge of irrigation, poor transportation and poor extension services were the severe constraints faced in vegetable production.Conclusions: It can be inferred that vegetable production contributed immensely to rural households’ economic status, livelihood and wellbeing. Although, the venture was faced with some challenges. Therefore, the provision of accessible and affordable credit facilities by banks, government and non-governmental organizations to the farmers is important as this would encourage them, curb most of the constraints and increase their income.Significance and Impact of the Study: Understanding the effects of vegetable production on the income and livelihoods of rural dwellers will enhance participation. Therefore, the outcome of this study would allow policymakers to intervene in its production in view to lower poverty and malnutrition, and improve rural households’ wellbeing.

Constraints Facing Rice Farmers in Iraq

There is a decrease in cultivated area and production of rice in Iraq. This study was conducted in Mahanawiyah District, Diwaniyah Province, Iraq, to identify constraints facing rice farmers. One hundred and thirty rice farmers were randomly selected. A list of 3 categories affecting rice cultivation: production, financial and institutional, covering 25 constraints was prepared and administered to the respondents.50% of rice farmers indicated there was a high level of constraint facing them. Water shortage, low price during harvested, laborious nature of rice cultivation, weeding problems, poor extension service, scarcity of trained labor, high cost of inputs(fertilizer, pesticides), reluctance of rural youth to involve in rice cultivation, high cost of irrigation, high cost of improved varieties, instability of government policies for rice production, low productivity, unfavorable government marketing system, and high cost of land preparation, were the most cited. There were a negative significant relationships between respondents age, educational level and years of experience in rice cultivation with overall constraint score. Constraints were differed in their effect depending on rice farmer’s characteristics’.

Aquaculture practices among the fish farmers of Bhaluka upazila, Mymensingh - Scenario from a decade and half ago

Mymensingh is the top inland aquaculture producer in Bangladesh. This study was undertaken to identify the barriers to develop earthen pond fish farming entrepreneurship in Bhaluka Upazila, Mymensingh about a decade and half ago when the fish culture revolution has been started. In this study, fish farmers were selected randomly from three villages that followed mono or composite-fish culture in earthen pond environment. More than 14 species being cultured of which half of them were exotic. The feasibility of pond fish culture was found viable due to proper communication with Dhaka wholesale fish market along with other destinations. In addition, hatchery sources of fish fry and fingerling, access to fish feed and financial support were further encouraged farming these perishable items. Education level of farmers, lack of technical knowledge of fish culture, poor extension service and lack of information about the pond management were identified as the potential barriers for the improvement of fish farming entrepreneurship. The higher stocking density as well as poor water quality conditions were facilitated to lead lower fish production and profit. The small-scale farmers (47.79%) with higher stocking density had lower profit (Tk 1.44 /fish) and large-scale farmers (19.85%) with lower stocking density showed higher profit margin of Tk 3.53 /fish. Therefore, this study suggests the optimal fish stocking density in earthen pond fish farming system which could be augment the fish production and enhanced profitability. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 499-509, 2022 (June)

Assessment of Constraints Faced by Farm Women in Adaptation Strategies towards Climate Change

The present study was conducted in Bikaner district of Rajasthan during 2020–21 to identify constraint faced by farm women in adaptation strategies towards climate change. The district is surrounded by Sri Ganganagar district to the North and lies in the Thar Desert. The study was conducted with sample size of 280 farm women. A total of two Panchayat Samities were selected by lottery method i.e., Khajuwala and Kolayat. Thus, a total of four Gram Panchayats was selected for the study. Further, two villages from each Gram Panchayat were selected by simple random sampling method. Hence, a total of eight villages were selected for the present study purpose. Further, Thirty five farm women from each (eight) villages will be selected for the final sample size of the study through random sampling. The primary data was collected personally with the help of an interview schedule which was prepared to identify the socio-economic characteristics, communication characteristics and constraints. Ranking method was used based on percentage of the constraints for the analysis of data. Overall twenty six constraints were listed out. The results of the present study revealed the major constraints faced by farm women which were inadequate/ limited knowledge concerning climate change and adaptation measures and lack of access to weather forecasting technology (Rank I), Lack of training programs on adaptation to climate programs (Rank II), Lack of knowledge about government policies/programs and poor extension services related to climate change assigned Rank III.

Role of Integrated Nutrient Management on Oat: A Review

Food security and environmental safety are the two important areas receiving major setback with the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable food supply in response to population demand urges for a paradigm shift from chemical-based agriculture to some eco-friendly approaches. Integrated nutrient management or combined approach of using different sources of nutrients is relevant in this context as it optimisez profitable crop production and improves soil health without deteriorating environment further. Food supply not only comes from agriculture but also from livestock sector. Therefore, cultivation of dual purpose (food and fodder) crop like oat is gaining importance day by day. Adequate nutrition to oat directly reflects on livestock and human nutrition. Researches around the globe indicate that integrated nutrient management in oat is now gaining momentum as it holds good promise as a successful replacement of sole chemical fertilizer. However, poor extension service and lack of policies make this technology to remain as a dormant. Therefore, further research works regarding integrated nutrient management on oat and its true transfusion to farming community are the needs of the hour to protect livestock and human food security and to free the environment from clutches of chemical hazards in coming days.

FACTORS INFLUENCING ACCEPTANCE OF FARMER EDUCATION AND IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION IN KWANAR ARE DAM – KATSINA STATE

This study was aimed at analysing factors influencing acceptance and adoption of farmer education and irrigation technology for sustainable food production as a means of ensuring food security in rural settlement of Katsina State – Nigeria. It provided insight on the underlying socio-economic factors influencing farmer’s decision to adopt education and irrigation technologies in the study area. A structured questionnaire was administered for selected farmers. Results obtained revealed that 94% of farmers were small holders with low level of education indicating that farming in the study area is highly dominated by traditional farming system that results in lower yields. It also indicates 87% of farmers were within the economic active age of 20 – 50 years. Farming experience, fragmented land holdings and poor extension services were directly related to the acceptance farmer education and adoption of irrigation technologies. The study concluded that training and educating small-scale small scale farmers that form the bulk of farming community in Nigeria are viable solutions to securing household food security, diversification of source of income and reducing rural poverty

Swine Husbandry Practices in Ethiopia: A Review

In Ethiopia, swine are mainly raised under small scale production systems of urban and peri-urban areas. The swine sector has got very little attention compared to other livestock components. This happened mainly due to religious and social reasons. Swine breeds in Ethiopia consist of exotic breeds and their crosses. The indigenous pig is an animal which has been very neglected and wild. Although smallholder swine farmers make a contribution to the livestock sector, they are discouraged and constrained by issues relevant to culture and religion, in addition to feed shortage, disease, inaccessible market, lack of clear pig and pork marketing system, lack of transport, poor extension and veterinary services, lack of market and shortage of land as the major constraints of swine production and marketing in Ethiopia. This paper highlights the Ethiopian swine industry, the role played by the smallholder swine farmers, the constraints and recommendations to the policy makers and stakeholders on the way of promoting smallholder swine farmers. Keywords: constraints, government, swine production DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-1-03 Publication date: January 31 st 2022

Land Tenurial System Influence Among Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies Adoption: Sub-Sahara Africa. A Review Paper

Climate variability and extremes are very a great deal affecting lives in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, where people are poor and vulnerable like in this region, these factors can add greatly to the hardship of their lives. Over the years climate versions and climate change are amongst the challenges the world face together with Sub-Sahara Africa nations. Climate-smart agriculture technologies provide efficient answers (i.e. increased productivity more advantageous family income, resilience and decreased greenhouse gasoline emissions). Smallholder farmers are the primary and secondary pillars of the agricultural sectors’, especially in low-income countries. Therefore, their involvement in climate change mitigation and adaption moves is imperative. Climate-smart agriculture applied sciences are looking for a manageable and greater secure earnings sustainability. This study aims to provide an overview of how the land tenure system affects climate-smart agriculture technologies adoption in Sub-Sahara Africa countries. Based on findings from selected articles, socioeconomic factors (e.g. access to credit, poor extension services, and inputs) and institutional factors (e.g. land tenure system, land scarcity) are major challenges to climate-smart agriculture technologies adoption, the major message is site-specific due to heterogeneity of smallholder farmers. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning land-use security is a critical factor of climate-smart technologies adoption among smallholder farmers. Full-time farming is a commitment that positively beautifies the adoption of climate clever agriculture mainly if the land is tightly closed and some practices take greater than one year to comprehend advantages (i.e. to achieve economic and environmental benefits). Keywords: Climate-smart agriculture, climate, agriculture, land, tenure, adoption, sustainability. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-23-03 Publication date: December 31 st 2021

Analysis of Costs and Returns of Sesame Production in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to analyze cost and return of sesame production in Hong L.G.A of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select fifty-seven sesame farmers in the study area. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using gross margin analysis and descriptive statistics. The results revealed labour cost accounted for 68.1% of the total cost of production. Cost of fertilizer accounted for 20.3%, cost of chemical accounted for 7.8% while cost of seed accounted for 3.8%. On the average, it cost N 47,451.35/ha to cultivate sesame in the study area. An average of N 65,053/ha accrues to farmers as gross income and N 17, 601.65 is left as gross margin. The result of constraints faced by sesame farmers were lack of credit facility 94.7% which was ranked 1st, inadequate fertilizer 93.0% which was ranked 2nd, lack of good road 82.5% which was ranked 3rd, poor extension services 77.2% which was ranked 4th, problem of pest 71.9% which was ranked 5th, problem of disease 70.2 which was ranked 6th, and high cost of production inputs 56.1% which was ranked 7th. The study concludes that sesame production in the study area is profitable and the major constraints faced by sesame farmers is lack of credit facility and inadequate fertilizer. Therefore, it was recommended that government should support sesame farmers by providing subsidized production inputs and farm credit and also government should strengthen and increase extension services among farmers.

Climate Change Perception and Uptake of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Rice Production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Rice production in Nigeria is vulnerable to climate risks and rice farmers over time have experienced the risks and their respective impacts on rice farming. Rice farmers have also responded to perceived climate risks with strategies believed to be climate-smart. Farmers’ perception of climate risks is an important first step of determining any action to be taken to counteract the negative effects of climate change on agriculture. Studies on the link between perceived climate risks and farmers’ response strategies are increasing. However, there are limited studies on the determinants of rice farmers’ perception of climate events. The paper therefore examined climate change perception and uptake of climate-smart agriculture in rice production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria using cross-sectional data from 347 rice farmers in an important rice-producing area in Nigeria. Principal component analysis, multivariate probit regression model and descriptive statistics were adopted for data analysis. Perceived climate events include increased rainfall intensity, prolonged dry seasons, frequent floods, rising temperature, severe windstorms, unpredictable rainfall pattern and distribution, late onset rain, and early cessation of rain. Farmers’ socioeconomic, farm and institutional characteristics influenced their perception of climate change. Additionally, rice farmers used a variety of climate-smart practices and technologies to respond to the perceived climate events. Such climate-smart practices include planting improved rice varieties, insurance, planting different crops, livelihood diversification, soil and water conservation techniques, adjusting planting and harvesting dates, irrigation, reliance on climate information and forecasts, planting on the nursery, appropriate application of fertilizer and efficient and effective use of pesticides. These climate-smart agricultural measures were further delineated into five broad packages using principal component analysis. These packages include crop and land management practices, climate-based services and irrigation, livelihood diversification and soil fertility management, efficient and effective use of pesticide and planting on the nursery. High fertilizer costs, lack of access to inputs, insufficient land, insufficient capital, pests and diseases, floods, scorching sun, high labour cost, insufficient climate information, and poor extension services were the barriers to uptake of climate-smart agriculture in rice production. Rice farmers should be supported to implement climate-smart agriculture in rice production in order to achieve the objectives of increased rice productivity and income, food security, climate resilience and mitigation.

Evaluation of the Socio-Economic Factors Impeding Production of Cashew in Ogaji, North Central Nigeria

The paper examined socio-economic factors affecting cashew production in Ogaji, Ankpa LGA, Northcentral Nigeria. Data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and interview administered to 143 registered farmers. Data obtained were analyzed descriptively using inferential statistics of mean score ranking, frequency tables and graph. Results showed that majority of the farmers were within the age of 26-35 and have been into farming since birth. Also there was moderate literacy level among the farmers as 50% of total respondents have formal education. Findings reveals that the socio-economic factor affecting production were; Access to and use of credit facilities, farmers-herders conflict, income level, transportation problem, lack of access to capital and poor extension services agent relations were the major socio-economic factors affecting cashew production in the study area. The study amongst others recommends that; the government should encourage private sectors such as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to invest in credits facilities like small-scale bank to offer credit to farmers at affordable rate, proactive measures should be taken to quell the farmer-herders crisis as it poses threat to farming activities. Government should strive to develop roads; this will increase small holder’s economic opportunities by reducing transport cost and allowing farmers to get access to marketing information and small holder’s cashew profitability. Extension service agent should try to understand the rural dwellers and their educational level to help them have access to extension services in other to improve their knowledge of farm management.