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This study examined productivity differentials along gender lines of cocoa farmers in Abia state, Nigeria in 2015. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to elicit data from 120 cocoa farmers, whom consist of 60 males and 60 females. Data were collected using a well structured questionnaire and interview schedule administered on the respondent. Data were analyzed using profitability analysis and semi-log regression function. For the male farmers, the coefficients for education, farm size, fertilizer, input and planting materials were positively related to productivity and significant at 5% level of probability while capital inputs was significant at 1%. For the female farmers, the coefficient for age was negatively related to productivity and significant at 1%, while education, farm size, capital input and fertilizer inputs were positive; both were significant at 1.0% and labour was significant at 5% level of probability. From the profitability analysis, the female cocoa farmers were more profitable with the profit of N1412432 than their male counterparts with the profit of N1373643. The results call for policies aimed at land reforms by making more lands and easy accessibility to credit available to women who are more efficient for increased productivity and profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has it objectives as to describe the types of crops marketed by the women; to determine the factors that influence women participation in marketing of food crops in the study area and make recommendations based on the findings. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the study. First, two Local Government Areas were selected from each of the three agricultural zones, this was followed by the random selection of twenty respondents from the selected Local Government Areas, bringing the total number of respondents to a hundred and twenty. Descriptive statistics and the probit model were used in analyzing the data collected from a set of questionnaire administered on the respondents selected. The results of the analysis showed that cassava, maize, water yam, sweet potatoes and cocoyam were the major food crops marketed by the women. The probit results indicate that age, experience, output, source of capital and source of labour were significant at different probability levels and with different signs. The study recommended that sources of income whether formal or informal sources should be made more accessible to women, amongst other things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the influence of commercialization on food security status of cassava producing households in Abia State, Nigeria. It specifically assessed the current level of commercialization among the households and estimated the food security status of the households operating at different levels of commercialization. The study employed multistage sampling technique in the selection of location and respondents from whom data and information were elicited using pretested and structured questionnaire. In the course of data analysis, descriptive statistics, household commercialization index and food security index were used. The current level of commercialization revealed that a typical cassava producing household sold on the average 51 percent of its output with total sales ranging from 5.60% to 90.00%, implying that the most commercialized cassava producing household sold 90.00% of the gross value of its total cassava production. More so, the food security status of the households at different levels of commercialization depicted that households operating at a low level of commercialization were few and there was a slight disparity between the proportion of those that were food secure and those that were food insecure while the majority seemed to operate at a medium level with more of the people attaining food security. On the overall, the proportion of households that were food insecure is more than those that were food secure as indicated by the food insecurity incidence. On the basis of the findings, the study recommended that government and other stakeholders should shoulder the responsibility of developing new initiatives that will transform the smallholders from subsistence oriented to market - oriented production system among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analysed income inequalities and food security status of farmers in South Eastern Nigeria, using Abia State. Specifically, the study accessed the income inequalities of the farmers; determine the food security status of the farmers; estimate the factors that influence food security among the farmers in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in the selection of location and 180 respondents used for the study. The study employed Gini-coefficient, food security index and multiple regressions in the analysis of the data collected. Result shows that Gini coefficient value was 0.67, showing that there was high income inequality in the study area. Majority of the respondents, constituting about 68.57 percent were food insecurity in the study area. The regression results showed that age of the household head, educational attainment of the household head and monthly income of the head were the major determinants of food security status in the study area. The study recommends that government policies targeted at farmers should be strengthened, in order to bridge the gap in farmers' income. Government should also create opportunities for small scale businesses to flourish in ural areas. This will provide the people the much needed income, amongst other things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the effect of local institutions' micro credit delivery on rural farm household poverty status in Abia state, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was employed in collecting data from two hundred and four (204) rural farm households in local institutions using structured interview schedule. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, poverty indices, and paired t-test. The study revealed reveals that the religious association granted the highest amount of credit (N91,950.0) to their members more than any other local institutions in the study area, while the mean amount demanded was N 128,491.3. The average annual contribution of members in different local association was N36357.35 with a low percentage cash contribution index of 10.59%. The result of the poverty indicators of the rural farm households in local institutions showed that the poverty line (mean monthly household expenditure) of the farm households was N16 N20648.94 per month or N 247787.28 per annum. The incidence of poverty otherwise called the head count ratio was 0.4863 while the coefficient of poverty gap (poverty depth) was 0.2458. The result of the paired t-test showed that the local institutions' micro credits impacted significantly on the mean annual farm income and monthly expenditures of the rural farm households in the study area. It was however, recommended that the autonomous local institutions should be integrated into the current poverty alleviation programme of the government and making them channels for loan delivery with a view to strengthening the financial capacity of its members as well as achieving the Millennium development goals of reducing poverty by half. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study on factors influencing decisions for using outside funds for Farm investments and for proprietor withdrawals was carried out among rural small-scale farm households in Abia state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of ninety (90) rural farm households of multi-type (varied) enterprises was carried out using cluster random sampling technique in three communities, each chosen from one of the three agricultural zones of the state. Results indicated rural household level variables that positively influenced decisions to source farm investment fund to include level of education, gender, membership of cooperative society, interest charge, land acquisition method, and ease of getting loan. Other factors that negatively influenced decisions include farming as major occupation, household savings, household size, and distance of farmers' home to source of credit. Proprietor withdrawal decisions were positively influenced by household level variables like taking farming as major occupation, payment of school fees for children of farmers, and amount of credit so far repaid by a farm household. Other factors namely household size, being member of cooperative society or savings group, interest charges on loan, off-farm income, and household savings had negative influences on proprietor withdrawal decisions. We recommended that small-scale farmers should not borrow their start-up capital from outside their households but as their farm businesses stabilize, they could decide to take loans from outside to cover their working capital and/or expand their farms and be prepared to repay such loans according to contractual agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 second planting seasons, at the Research and Teaching Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Abia State University, Uturu Umuahia Campus to investigate the effect of weeding on the population of Spodoptera frugiperda and yield of maize. Two Maize varieties, OBA SUPER 2 (yellow seeded) and OBA SUPER 98 (white seeded) were planted as the main plot treatment while four weeding schedules (no weeding, 1, 2, or 3 weedings) were included as the sub-plot treatments. Seeds were sown on ridges 1.0 m apart and 50.0 cm between stands in 5.0 m² plots on 5th day of August each year. Data were collected on the number of larvae of fall Armyworm S. frugiperda larvae, damaged plants and grain yield of maize. All data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and separation of means done using Least Significant Difference (LSD). During both years, it was found that the weeded plots had significantly (P<0.05) lower S. frugiperda population than the non-weeded plots. S.frugiperda population decreased significantly with increase in the number of times sub-plots were weeded. Thus, S.frugiperda population of 7.6 were recorded in the plots weeded thrice in 2017 and 8.3 in the year 2018; with twice weeding it was 10.3 and 10.5 in 2017 and 2018; and for once weeding it was 12.5 and 13.3 in the two years respectively. The non-weeded plot had 13.0 and 16.5 S. frugiperda in the two years respectively. The frequency of weeding was inversely correlated with S. frugiperda population. Grain yields were significantly higher when weeding was done three times compared with weeding twice, once and no weeding respectively. In the two years, the percentage leaf damaged were decreased as the number of weeding increased. There was no significant correlation between S. frugiperda and the grain yields in the two years suggesting that any of the weeding regimes, especially 2-weeding and 3-weeding can be adopted to reduce S.frugiperda infestation in maize with no significant effect on grain yield. In addition, any of the two varieties can be cultivated in the area to achieve good grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified sources of risk and risk management strategies among cassava farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 518 cassava farmers were randomly selected from four local government areas and data were collected using structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics such as mean, percentages and frequency were used to present data. Likert attitudinal scale was used to evaluate the risk attitude of cassava farmers. Results showed that the mean age and household size of the farmers was 48 years and 7 persons respectively, with 59.9% of the farmers being females. Main sources of risk in cassava production as identified by the cassava farmers were erratic rainfall (77.2%), inadequate credit facilities (70.3%), low price of output (69.1%), cassava pest and disease (59.1%), high cost of inputs (57.5%) and inadequate market for produce (51.7%). The Likert attitudinal scale showed that 69.5% of the farmers were risk averse. Some risk reducing strategies were not employed by the farmers, reason being that they are either not available or difficult to implement. The most popular risk reducing strategy used was enterprise diversification (100.0%).The study recommended that cassava farmers with support from government and private sector should develop comprehensive risk management strategies with maximum benefit when used in combination, also agricultural policy makers should make policies that will encourage cassava farmers to use formal insurance, cooperative marketing and forward contracting more as a means of reducing social and market risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzed factors influencing membership of farmer's in cooperative societies in Abia State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 80 co-operators. Data were collected with structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics such as: frequency counts, mean scores and percentages and inferential statistics (probit regression analysis). The result of socio-economic characteristics of showed the farmers had mean ages of 40.67 years, household size of 4.1 persons, mean farm income of N201, 000.00 with a mean farming experience 6.1years. The result revealed that 57.2% and 41.2 of the farmers belonged to farmers' multipurpose and agricultural cooperative societies. The result of probit regression estimates showed that coefficients age, farming experience, income, household size and poverty level influenced cooperative membership in the study area. Policies aimed at reducing household sizes by appropriate family planning techniques in order to reduce poverty and encouraging farmers to join cooperative societies for ease access of inputs and credit for enhanced productivity were advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to ascertain the factors affecting participation of cassava farmers in credit market (study of Bende local government area) Abia State. The broad objective was to determine factors that affect cassava farmer's participation in credit market. The data were collected from cassava farmers of the sampled area through a well-structured questionnaire. In this study, the Multinomial logit model was used to determine the factors that affect cassava farmer's participation in credit market, be it formal, informal, or both institutions. Socio-economic and enterprise characteristics such as sex, age, household size, training and cooperative membership were found to be significant factors that affect farmers demand and participation in credit market (i.e informal, formal and both informal and formal sources in the study area). Farmers should be encouraged to participate in both credit markets via easy access to credits from formal and informal lenders which will significantly improve productivity and welfare of cassava farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the effect of tenancy status on productivity of rice farmers in Bende Local Government Area of Abia state, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified the method of land ownership/pattern, analyzed the productivity levels of the rice farmers, examined the effects of tenancy status on the productivity of rice farmers and identified the perceived constraints faced by the rice farmers. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used in selecting 60 respondents used for the study. Data collection was by use structured questionnaire administered to the respondents and data analysis was use of such statistical tools as frequency tables, percentages, means, t-test and multiple regression analysis. The result showed that majority (71.67%) of the rice farmers in the in the study area rented land for their farming activities and that 53.33% of the respondents had a productivity range of 2.1 - 3.0, with a mean productivity of 2.2. The result showed that the productivity of owner occupier farmers were significantly higher than that of their counterparts. The significant variable influencing the productivity of the farmers were age of the farmer, farming experience, labour, capital, tenancy status, farm size, planting materials and fertilizer and agrochemicals. The major constraints faced by the rice farmers were inadequate capital, high cost of inputs, poor extension/advisory series, pest attack, and limited and high cost of land. Therefore, policies that we grant farmers increased access to land and secured tenure should be put in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to estimate the determinants of entrepreneurial skills acquisition among agribusiness households in the study area and determine the relationship between their skills and their household welfare. A multi stage sampling technique was employed in the selection of 80 households from 5 local government areas out of the 17 local government areas of the state. Primary source of data was obtained from using a set of questionnaire were administered on the respondents to obtain the needed data for the analysis with multiple regression and simple correlation. The results showed that sex, marital status, expenditure of the respondents had positive and significant effect on their entrepreneurial skills, while the respondents' age, access to credit and experience though had significant effects possessed negative signs on their entrepreneurial skills. The result also revealed that there was a positive relationship between entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurs' welfare. It was therefore recommended that, Effective and adequate entrepreneurship policies that will help to equip agribusiness entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial skills should be put in place. Secondly, youths should be encouraged to acquire at least one skill or another as this will a go a long way in curbing the menace of unemployment which has risen so high in Nigeria. Thirdly, programmes on agribusiness should be developed while addressing factors that hinder its growth and development as a way of actualizing the current change agenda and economic diversification of the present federal government of Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study on gender factors in the production of African eggplant (Solanum gilo) was conducted in Abia State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 farmers (60 male and 60 female African eggplant farmers) on who structured questionnaire was administered in two of the three agricultural zones of the State. Data were presented and discussed using both descriptive and inferential statistical approaches in percentages, frequencies, tables and t-test analyses. The result showed that relatively more males (58.3%) than females (50%) had contact with and reported to extension agents by GSM calls/phone calls, more males (86.67%) than females (59%) had larger farmland, and received more production instructions on practices in form of advice from the extension agents. The study further revealed that extension agents procured and gave more production inputs (credit/grant, agrochemical and others) to male farmers than to the female farmers. Thus the mean output (10739.03tons/ha) of male African eggplant farmers appeared greater than that of the females (8300tons/ha) but there was no significant difference in output by the sexes. Availability of improved electricity supply and extension education was needful in the communities. It was recommended that extension agent's capacity building and land reform policies should be sensitive on gender lines in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the relative performance of the processes used in transforming given inputs into output is key to increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing food security and income. This study therefore examined the technical efficiency of snail farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents used for the study. Primary data, collected using structured questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and maximum likelihood estimation procedure using the computer software frontier version 4.1. Results showed that the significant factors influencing output of the snail farmers were stock size, labour, feed and capital. The significant determinants of technical efficiency of the snail farmers were age of the farmer (P = 0.05), educational attainment (P = 0.05), farming experience (P = 0.01), extension contact (P = 0.05), and cooperative membership (p = 0.01). The result also showed that majority (52%) of the snail farmers have an efficiency of between 61 - 80%, with the least efficient and most efficient farmers having efficiencies of 41.6% and 99.9% respectively. The mean level of efficiency was 75.6%. It was recommended that in order to enhance the efficiency and thus productivity of snail farms, policies that would encourage the youths to go into farming should be put in place. In addition, educational and training programmes should be organized regularly for the farmers as well as strengthening the extension services delivery system to provide the farmers the needed information on improved farming practices and innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the level of progress in QC adoption of cassava flour based enterprises in Abia State. A random sampling technique was employed in the selection of 90 enterprises from the study area. Descriptive statistics and inferential (probit and Z-test) were used in analyzing the data collected through well structured questionnaires. About 82% of the cassava flour based enterprise' users adopted quality control measures in the manufacture of their products while 16% did not. The use of photographic aids, use of standard descriptions, system quality assurance and good manufacturing practices constituted 11%, 45%, 22% and 22% respectively of the quality control measures adopted by the enterprises. Level of education, qualified personnel and profit positively influenced the choice of quality control adoption at 1%, 10% and 5% significant levels respectively while cost of operation and government policies negatively influenced the choice of quality control adoption at 1% significant levels respectively. Result of the Z-test analysis reveals that there is a distinct difference between the mean incomes of cassava flour based enterprises who adopted quality control measures and those who did not. This study recommended that the Quality control regulatory bodies should be empowered to enforce the adoption of these measures among relevant enterprises; Government should support the growth of these enterprises by the supply of important machineries and equipment at subsidized rates; A synergy among firms on improving their level of QC utilization is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large quantity of the food consumed in Abia State comes from the Northern part of the country. The insurgence in the north has created an atmosphere of panic and this has affected agricultural production and trade in the northern region. This study assessed north insurgency and the performance of food dealers in Abia state, Nigeria. Specifically this study examined the constraining experience of the food dealers due to insurgence, examined the frequency of travelling to the north by the food dealers and analyzed the cost effect of the insurgency on the performance of food dealers in Abia State. The towns of Aba and Umuahia were selected for the study because of the huge presence of food marketers. A multi stage random sampling technique was adopted to select the food dealers. Firstly, a purposive selection of two major markets in the towns of Aba and Umuahia which include Ariara Main Market and the Ubani Ultra Modern Market Umuahia. . In order to give each of the food dealers an equal opportunity of been selected a random sampling technique was used to select 25 food dealers from the markets respectively to make a sample size of 50 food dealers. Both questionnaires and interviews were used to elicit the required data from the selected food dealers. Descriptive statistics and cost and return analysis were used to achieve the objectives of this study. The study clearly shows that majority of the food dealers are females representing 64% of the sampled food dealers and majority of the food dealers had basic education. The major constraining experiences due to the insurgence were the decrease in the number of food dealers in Abia State and in the North and the continuous increase in the cost and selling price of the food items. The states of the North Central Zone are the most visited as shown by 55.9% of the food dealers response, while the North East Zone got the lowest number of visit of 8.9% as shown by the food dealers' response. The insurgence had a 19.5% estimated reduction on the net profit of the food dealers. Buying through an agent and the encouragement of local production of the food products mostly purchased in the North are the measures to curb the effect of the insurgency on the performance of the food dealers. The government should thoroughly consider the plight of these food dealers who put their life in danger in order to make food available in the state. The security of these traders should be paramount; they should consider organizing a system of purchasing the food in bulk with the aid of security agent and through trade agents. A plan to improve the agricultural system in the state in order to boost local production of some essential food commodities will reduce the risk of the insurgency on the food dealers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzed the determinants and profitability of honey production in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia state, Nigeria. Beyond the broad objective, the study specifically sought to analyze the socio economic characteristics of honey producers in the study area, examine the returns associated with honey production, estimate the production, analyze the determinant of honey production in the area and identify the constraints of honey producers in the area. A total of 60 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed in Ikwuano Local Government Area from which data and information were elicited. Multiple regression, descriptive statistics, Cobb Douglas production function and profitability analysis were used to analyze the data collected. The result shows that bee farmers in the study area combine honey production with others jobs, raise their capital themselves and mainly use family members as source of labour. Inadequate capital was highlighted as the major constraint to honey production in the study area. The coefficients of age, sex, income and household size were positively related to the quantity of honey produced and the gross margin of N47,183.33 shows that honey production is very lucrative in the study area and should be encouraged among farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzed the factors influencing cassava value addition by rural agribusiness entrepreneurs in Abia state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: ascertain the various forms of the value added cassava products produced by the respondents; estimate the factors that influence farmers' decision to add value to cassava; and make recommendations based on the findings. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 70 respondents. Primary data were collected through the aid of a well structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency, mean, tables, percentage as well as the binary logit model. The result of the binary logistic results indicated that the coefficients of gender, education, income, household size and output were statistically significant at different levels of probability. The study therefore recommended that encouragement should be given to females to go into cassava value addition as well as making high yielding varieties available to the entrepreneurs by the government and its agencies whose mandate is to do so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analysed the consumers' willingness to pay for counterfeit leather products in Abia State, Nigeria. A random sampling technique was used to select respondents. From the three senatorial zones, three local government areas were selected. From these local government areas, 50 respondents were selected, in this case, making a total of 150 respondents. However, a total of 138 respondents returned their questionnaire, while the remaining 12 were either not returned or not properly filled. Effectively 138 questionnaire responses were used in the data analysis. Binary logit model was employed in analyzing the data. It was found that age, education, price, income and female gender played critical roles in influencing consumer's willingness to pay for counterfeit leather products. It was therefore, recommended that education of the consumers should be stepped up to enable them make better choices and income level improved among other recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the determinants of agribusiness entrepreneurs' participation in innovations using Abia State Nigeria as the study area. The study employed a multi stage sampling technique in the selection of entrepreneurs from the agricultural zones of Abia State (Aba, Ohafia and Umuahia). In the first stage, 2 Local Government Areas (LGAs) each were selected from the zones. The second stage involved random selection of 2 communities each from the 6 LGAs, bringing it to 12 communities. The last stage involved the selection of 15 households each from the communities, giving a sample size of 180 agribusiness households. The probit model was employed in the analysis of the data which was obtained by the use of questionnaire administered on the selected respondents. The study found that age, gender, household size, income and output were statistically significant determinants of entrepreneurs' participation in innovations in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study on analysis of influence of financial social learning opportunities on loan repayment behavior of cooperator borrowers was carried out in Abia State, Nigeria. It was the objectives of the study to relate social learning financial opportunities in cooperative societies and member borrowers budgeting and timely repayment of loans; and determine demographic, social learning and financial factors that influenced loan repayment by cooperator borrowers. Two-stage random sampling technique was used in selecting first, two of the three agricultural zones; and second two registered farmers' multi-purpose agricultural cooperative societies. This was followed by purposive selection from registers of the chosen cooperative societies sixty cooperators who currently were repaying loans borrowed. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used in analyzing the gathered cross sectional data. Results suggest important relationships between financial social learning opportunities in cooperative societies and borrowers' budgeting and timely loan repayment behaviours. Attendance to meetings, discussions with fellow cooperators and meaningful observation on financial behaviour of members of cooperative societies had significant positive influences on conduct and performance loan beneficiaries. The number of times beneficiaries attended meeting since after loan(s) were received; number of times they discussed loan matters with members before loan(s) were received; and number of times they discussed loan repayment strategies with other cooperators after loans were received had positive influences on loan repayment behaviour of cooperator borrowers. Cooperator(s) should participate in all union activities to truly belong and reap the benefits of being a member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined contributions of microfnance institutions to economic efficiency of cassava farmers in Abia state, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted in collecting cross sectional data on a sample size of 240 respondents (120 MFI beneficiaries and 120 non beneficiaries). Primary Data was collected by administering questionnaire on cassava farmers. The result showed that economic efficiency of MFI beneficiaries was influenced by wage rate, price of fertilizer and adjusted Y (output), while wage rate, price of fertilizer and price of cassava cutting s are variables that influenced economic efficiency of non beneficiaries. The t - test analysis confirmed that MFI beneficiaries had higher economic efficiency advantage compared with non beneficiaries. It is recommended that government agricultural policy should take positive steps to reduce interest rate to encourage MFI efforts in providing the necessary platform to encourage higher efficiency in cassava production in Abia state, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated factors affecting commercialization of cassava producing household in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. It specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of cassava household; determine commercialization index and analyzed factors that influence commercialization among cassava producing households. The study employed purposive sampling technique in the selection of 120 respondents from one local government area (LGA) based on characteristics of interest, nearness and other related features. The selection was done from 6 communities at the rate of 20 respondents per community. Analytically, descriptive statistics; household commercialization index (HCI), and multiple regression analysis were used. The results showed that the mean age of the cassava producing household was about 40 years with a mean farming experience of 14 years. They are mostly married with an average of 5 persons per households. The result further revealed that only a few households (less than 2%) have very high commercialization orientation, which exposes the level of farming in the area. With respect to determinants of factors that influence commercialization, value of output, farm size, sex, nearness to market, membership of cooperative and farming experience were significant and found to exhibit varying degree. The study therefore recommends that support policies that sustain and improve the productivity among farming household especially land tenure policy issues; greater incentives policies for farmers in the rural areas; linkages between farm households and the markets; increase access and exchange of information on markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study on risks, vulnerability and determinants of women farmers' participation in Self-Help-Group led micro financing was carried out in Isuikwuato local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State in Nigeria. Two-stage random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were adopted in selecting communities and respondents. Socio-economic and some farm operation variables were analyzed descriptively and others regressed on discrete decision of women participating or not participating in Self-Help- group (SHG) financing. Fire outbreak, ill health, theft, soil erosion and attack of farm products by pests and diseases were perceived (in this descending order) as risks/natural disasters confronting the farmers. Previously owed debts, Ease of membership to groups, Age of the woman, Household size, and use of cultural/formal insurance over perceived risks were factors that influenced participation of women farmers in self-help-group micro financing. To ease the burden of inaccessibility to formal farm credit among women farmers, we recommended that relatively younger women should be encouraged to join older women in such mutual self-help groups to reap benefits accruable from the groups especially being able to manage their farms and households with less stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research analyzed determinants of women's participation in self help group-led micro-financing of farms in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; determine the level of women's participation in self help group led micro financing of farms; determine the factors that influence women's participation in self help group micro financing of farms; identify constraints of women participation in self help group micro financing of farms in the study area. Multistage random sampling technique was employed in collecting data from one hundred and twenty (120) members of women self help group using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, likert scale type and probit regression analysis. The research revealed that the women (respondents) actively participated in self help group meetings (... = 3.07), financial and material contributions (... = 3.33), self help group project (... = 3.36) and recruitment of fresh members (... = 3.16), because their calculated means were greater than the critical midpoint mean score (3.0). The study also showed that the women did not participate in committee membership (... = 2.54) and holding of official executive position (... = 2.53) in self help group since the midpoint score (3.0) was greater than their calculated mean values. The result of probit regression analysis showed that women 's participation in self help group led micro financing of farms was influenced by household size, years of membership experience, access to credit, primary occupation, mode of entry and annual contribution. The model predicted 94.69 per cent of the sample correctly and posted a log likelihood value of -33.54958, a pseudo R² value of 0.3013 and a goodness of fit chi-square value of 32.10 which is statistically significant at 1.0% level. Meanwhile irregular monthly contribution and loan default were the major constraints of women's participation in self help group led micro financing of farms. It was recommended that leadership positions within self help groups should be made to rotate among the broad spectrum of longer serving members. This will ensure greater commitment to group success and sustenance by a greater number of members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women play a crucial role in the Nigerian Agricultural sector ranging from production to processing and marketing. About 80% of small scale cassava clusters in the western part of Nigeria are owned and operated by women. The study sought to analyse the restrictions and factors that contribute to the participation of rural women in cassava processing in Isiukwuato area of Abia State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of eighty (80) respondents from whom data were elicited. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the probit regression model. The result showed that the respondents were young (44.19), with majority married (78.75%), had a mean household size of (5.16) persons, attained various levels of education but were small scale farmers with a mean farm size of (1.98) hectares. The probit regression estimate showed that the coefficients of age, education level, farm income, cooperative membership, household size and extension contact influenced the participation of the respondents in cassava processing at varied levels of significance. The model posted a pseudo R² of (0.6303). Like every other business, the respondents faced restrictions like poor storage facilities, low quality of cassava roots, discolouration and uncontrolled fermentation, inadequate supply of cassava roots all year round among others. Based on the findings, the study suggested the introduction of contract farming in the area, which will ensure a reliable supply of cassava roots for large scale processing and incorporating gender perspective into all agricultural interventions by the government to ensure equal impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]