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This study investigated the economics of resource utilisation efficiency and constraints related to maize production in North West Nigeria. Primary data were collected through well-designed questionnaires administered to 120 proportionally selected maize producers. The researchers analysed the data using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that the average age, farming experience, and educational level of the producers are approximately 46 years, 9 years, and 11 years, respectively. Additionally, about 15% of the producers are female and 25% are not members of any cooperatives. The analysis found that land, agrochemicals, labour, fertiliser, and seed are significant factors influencing maize output, as they were statistically different from zero. The first-order derivatives, or partial elasticities of production, serve as measures of resource productivity, with land showing the highest elasticities at approximately 0.29, and agrochemicals the lowest at 0.10. The sum of the partial elasticities, referred to as scale efficiency, is approximately 0.90, indicating decreasing returns to scale. The resource utilisation efficiency analysis of maize producers indicates that land, agrochemicals, labour, fertilisers, and seeds are under-utilised, as the ratio of marginal value product (MVP) to marginal factor cost (MFC) for each resource is greater than one. The major challenges faced by maize producers are lack of access to land (1st), high fertiliser costs (2nd), and insufficient farm technologies (3rd). To address these challenges, it is recommended that land policies should be formulated to facilitate easier access to land for both male and female farmers, thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity. Additionally, improved seeds, fertilisers, and agrochemicals should be made available to producers at affordable prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated food security status among vegetable women producers in North West, Nigeria. Primary data were used based on a well-organized questionnaire. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Tobit regression model, food security index, and principal component model. The outcome shows that averagely the age, household size, and farm size approximates 48 years, 9, and 0.75 ha respectively. A household is regarded as food secure if it achieves at least 2 3 of the MPCFE (Mean per Capital Consumption Food Expenditure) per month. Therefore, the vegetable women producers that spent at least N 2,125.51 (1USD =N 1,040) on food per month were grouped as food secure, and those that spent less than this figure were grouped as food insecure. This denotes that the vegetable women producer to be regarded as food secure will spend above N 70.85 on food per day. Based on the headcount ratio, about 54% of vegetable women producers had their per capital food expenditure equal or above N 2,125.51, while 46% of them had their per capital food expenditure below N 2,125.51. The educational level, age, household size, income from vegetable farming off farm income and access to credit were different significantly from zero in deciding the food security status of vegetable women producers. The major challenges faced by vegetable women producers include lack of improved seeds (1st), lack of credit (2nd), and lack of access to land (3rd). Credit should be made available at single digit interest rate to enhance productivity, and increase food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research estimated the poverty status among ginger women farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Primary data were used based on a well designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) poverty index, Tobit regression model, and principal component model. The outcome shows that the average age, years of farming experience, and educational level approximate 48 years, 9 years, and 11 years respectively. The poverty line is approximately 4, 172.06 Naira (1 USD = 1 104 Naira). The poverty incidence (...0 ) approximately 0.5298, 95% CI [0.4575, 0.6021] this corresponds to 52.98% of ginger women farmers are poor, from the sampling population, this adds up to the fact that 63 ginger women farmers are poor, while 57 ginger women farmers were non-poor. Approximately 4.7 million of the entire population were poor, while 4.2 million were non-poor. The poverty depth (...1 ) which explains that the gap between the poor ginger women farmers and the poverty line is calculated as 0.2876, 95% CI [ 0.2465, 0.3287] this implies that it will take the poor ginger women farmers (28.76% × 4, 172.06 Naira) the amount of 1, 199.88 Naira to cover up or make up for the poverty gap. The severity of poverty (...2 ) which measures the squares of the poverty gap relative to the poverty line was calculated at 0.1967, 95% CI [ 0.1575, 0.2359], this means that 19.67% of the ginger women farmers were severely poor. The educational level, years of ginger farming, income from ginger farming, off-farm income, and membership of cooperative were different significantly from zero in influencing poverty status among ginger women producers. The major limitations were a lack of credit facilities, a lack of access to land, and a lack of farm inputs. The ginger women farmers should join cooperative associations as this will enable them to share ideas, and information on new farm techniques and access credit at single digit interest rates to increase productivity and reduce poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study estimates farm level financing gap and allocative efficiency among tomato producers in North West, Nigeria. Primary data are collected based on a well-structured questionnaire. The result shows that the significant stimulus influencing technical efficiency of tomato producers are farm size, seed, fertilizer, chemical, and labour. The significant regressors influencing technical inefficiency of tomato producers are age, amount of credit received, years of experience, educational level, and extension contact. The addition of first order derivatives of the production factors which is called the scale efficiency shows the decreasing return to scale in the frontier version adding up to 0.9748. The outcomes of the allocative efficiency [r] show that tomato producers under-utilized seed, land, fertilizer, chemical, and labour. The mean amount of finance (credit) per season the tomato producers had obtained is N 54,470, while the mid-estimate of financing gap (FINGAP) in the form of finance (credit) needed to produce (yield) at the frontier stage is N 312,641.66, this shows a credit shortfall of about 82.57%. Filling the FINGAP of smallholder tomato producers would increase the efficiency and productivity of rice farmers to meet the rise in demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study evaluated the dynamics and competitiveness of Nigeria's sesame (Sesamum indicum) production in international trade. Secondary data were used, in the data period of 1982 to 2022 (41 years). The data used were sourced from NBS, CBN, FAO, World Bank publication, and General Household Survey-Panel (GHS-P) in conjunction with Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The econometric tools used were Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, Johansen co-integration test, Zivot - Andrews (Z-A), Lee Strazicich (LM) structural break unit root tests, and vector error correction model (VECM). The result of the ADF unit root test shows that all the test variables were stationary at first difference I (1). The results of the Johansen co-integration test for the time series data shows that the trace test statistics indicate 2 co-integrating equations, the Max-Eigen values also indicates 2 cointegrating equations. The estimated long run effect using VECM shows that area, yield, and world trade in oilseed, were positively and significantly related to the dynamics and competitiveness of Nigeria's sesame seed in international trade. The real exchange rate had a negative coefficient and was non-significantly related to the dynamics and competitiveness of Nigeria's sesame seed in international trade. The coefficient of the error correction term (ECM) is with the expected negative sign and statistically significant at 1% level of probability, this is an indication of a move back towards equilibrium with a magnitude of -0.95. Policies that would encourage exportation of sesame should be pursued and enhancing research activities on improving quality of sesame produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research analyzed resource productivity and determinants of technical efficiency among cassava farmers in North Central, Nigeria. This research employed a multi-stage sampling technique. Primary data were used based on a well-designed questionnaire. Inferential and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. The results of resource productivity of inputs show that cassava cuttings and fertilizer have the highest and lowest elasticities, respectively. The mean-TE (Technical Efficiency) score of 74% (0.74) indicates that an average smallholder cassava producer in the sample needs about 26% (0.26) additional inputs to get to the frontier. In the TE components, the coefficients of labour, and fertilizers are significant different from zero at 1% probability level. The coefficients of agrochemicals, land inputs are significantly different from zero at 5% probability level, while the coefficient of cassava cuttings are significant different from zero at 10% probability level. In the TIE (technical inefficiency), component the coefficients of age, credit received, members of cooperatives are significant different from zero at 1% probability level. The policy formulations should be directed towards considering technological substitutions and mechanized agriculture. Excessive labour supply, characteristics of the developing agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, could be pushed into the secondary sector of the Nigerian economy such as the cassava processing industry, therefore generating income, employment and maintaining Nigeria in the first (1st) position in the world ranking in term of cassava output. Also, it is recommended that improved cuttings, agrochemicals, and fertilizers should be made available to cassava farmers at appropriate time to increase productivity. Furthermore, credit should be made available to cassava farmers at a single digit interest rate, devoid of cumbersome administrative procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed an electronic wallet (e-wallet) system and determinants of cassava farmers’ participation in off-farm activities in Abuja, Nigeria. A sample of 67 cassava farmers was selected through a multi-stage sampling technique from six selected agricultural extension blocks. Primary data were used. Data were collected using a well-structured and well-designed questionnaire. The analytical tools used were descriptive statistics and maximum likelihood estimates using the logistic regression model. The results indicated that an electronic-wallet is an innovative, motivational mobile phone technology, the first in sub-Saharan Africa to distribute mobile phones to farmers which bring fertilizers, improved seeds, financial services, and agricultural information tips to farmers, and this increases yields and output. The electronic wallet system targeted 20 million farmers with an intention to distribute 10 million mobile phones to farmers in 4 years. In 2014, 1,000 agro-dealers and fourteen million five hundred farmers were registered on the electronic wallet system respectively. Also, one million two hundred farmers have also received inputs via the electronic-wallet system. The electronic-wallet system added an estimated 30-40 billion dollars to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product in 2014. Furthermore, the result shows that the age of most sampled cassava farmers fell between 36 and 50 years. About 94% of sampled cassava farmers were male. Off-farm income has the potential to improve the income of farmers. These types of activities undertaken by cassava farmers off the farms include: teaching, tailoring, hunting, pottery, blacksmithing, petty trading, etc. Farmers’ age, farming experience and number of off-farm activities were significant variables influencing farmers’ participation in off-farm activities at P ≤ 0.01; P ≤ 0.10; and P ≤ 0.01 respectively. The coefficient of Nagelkerke (R2) value was 0.751.This shows that the explanatory variables explain the level of participation of cassava farmers in off-farm activities at 75% level of confidence. The coefficient of Cox and Snell determinant (R2) value was 0.547. Off-farm employment is an alternative strategy and has potentials to improve the income and well-being of farmers. The study recommends that government and nongovernment organizations should introduce innovations, motivations, interventions, policies that improve crop production and support the off-farm sector in order to create job opportunities so that poor households can participate and benefit directly.

Agricultural sustainability can be achieved through Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Integrated Pest Management (IPM) incorporates economic sustainability with environmental and social concerns. The goal of integrated pest management is to optimize profits and achieve agricultural and natural resource sustainability over the long period. This study evaluated economics of integrated pest management and pesticides use decision making process among cowpea farmers, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study was designed specifically to provide answers to the following objectives: determine the socio-economic profiles of cowpea farmers, analyze costs and returns of cowpea production, evaluate factors influencing cowpea farmers' decision of adopting integrated pest management and pesticides use, evaluate factors influencing output of cowpea production, and determine the constraints facing cowpea farmers. Data used were from primary sources. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. A total sample size of 100 cowpea farmers was selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, financial analysis, principal component analysis and Heckman two-stage model which involve Probit model analysis and Ordinary Least Squares Regression Model. The result shows that 84% of cowpea farmers were less than 50 years of age. The mean age was 40 years. Also, 61% of cowpea farmers had less than 11 people as members of households. Furthermore, 88% of cowpea farmers had formal education. The farmer had average experiences in cowpea farming of 9 years. The integrated pest management techniques and pesticides use adopted by cowpea farmers include crop rotations, use of quality improved seeds, early harvest, use of resistant varieties, use of insecticides, use of pesticides sprays among others. Cowpea production was profitable enterprise. The gross margin and net income of cowpea production were 911,990 Naira and 889,090 Naira respectively. The gross margin ratio was 0.92.In first stage of the Heckman two-stage model, the statistical and significant factors influencing adoption of integrated pest management and pesticides use include age (P < 0.05),sex (P < 0.10), educational level (P < 0.01), household size (P < 0.05), extension contact (P < 0.05), and experiences in cowpea farming(P < 0.10). In the second stage, factors significantly influencing output of cowpea production were age(P < 0.10), sex(P < 0.10), educational level(P < 0.05), household size(P < 0.10), farm size(P < 0.05) and labour input(P < 0.10). Lack of improved seeds, lack of extension agents, lack of storage facilities, lack of chemical inputs and bad roads infrastructures were constraints facing cowpea farmers. The retained constraints explained 71.42% of all components included in the principal component model. The study recommends that extension agents should be employed to train farmers on integrated pest management and pesticides use, improved quality cowpea seeds should be provided and feeder roads should constructed for easy evacuation of cowpea produce to market centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving agricultural productivity through sustainable technologies and practices can go some ways towards increasing local food available, increasing food security and reducing poverty. This study evaluated econometrics of on-farm maize (Zea mays) production, storage systems, marketable surplus and postharvest losses among smallholder rural farmers, Abuja, Nigeria. This study was designed specifically to achieve the following objectives: identify the socio-economic profiles of smallholder rural maize farmers, determine the costs and returns of maize production among smallholder rural farmers, evaluate factors influencing on-farm maize storage technologies of smallholder rural farmers, evaluate factors influencing marketable surplus of maize grain among smallholder rural farmers, evaluate factors influencing postharvest losses of maize grain among smallholder rural farmers, and identify constraints facing smallholder rural maize farmers. Data used were of primary sources. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted and used. Total sample sizes of one hundred (100) smallholder rural maize farmers were employed. Statistical and econometrics tools employed in analyzing data were: descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, financial analysis, Probit model analysis, Logit model analysis, multiple regression analysis and t-Test analysis. The results show that the mean age of smallholder rural maize farmers was 45.4years. About 80% of smallholder rural maize farmers had formal education and were literate. The means of on-farm storage of maize grains were traditional and modern technologies. The average farm sizes were 2.62 hectares of farm land. About 51% of smallholder rural farmers had between 101 and 300 kg per hectares of farm land. The gross margin and net farm income were 909,780 Naira and 886,930 Naira respectively. The gross margin ratio of 0.927 implies that for every one Naira invested in maize production 92Kobo covered expenses, taxes, interest, profits and depreciation. About 26% of maize produced per hectare of farm land were postharvest losses at the farm, processing and marketing levels along the supply chain respectively. Age (P < 0.05), level of education (P < 0.01), access to credit (P < 0.10), quantity of maize stored (P < 0.05), experience in farming (P < 0.10),extension contact (P < 0.05),and transportation cost (P < 0.10). Factors influencing marketable surpluses of smallholder rural maize farmers were: price of maize (P < 0.01), extension contact (P < 0.10),access to credit (P < 0.05),distant to nearby market (P < 0.05), experience in farming (P < 0.10), farm size (P < 0.01), level of education (P < 0.01),and cost of transportation (P < 0.05). Age, educational level, and extension services were statistically and significant factors influencing postharvest losses of smallholder rural farmers at farm, processing and market levels respectively. Lack of transport facilities, bad road infrastructures, lack of storage facilities, lack of credit facilities and lack of improved seeds were the major constraints facing smallholder rural maize farmers. Improved seeds, fertilizers, chemicals and production inputs should be made available at the right time to smallholder rural maize farmers. Also, modern storage technologies should be provided for smallholder rural maize farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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