This paper examined the performance of male and female farmers in rice farming in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria, with a view to determining the parameters for promoting gender equity in farmers' access to opportunities for improved livelihoods from rice production. Data were obtained from 624 farmers selected by stratified random technique from twelve villages in Katsina and Kaduna States of Nigeria; using structured interview and focus group discussion. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression model of double log form. Results indicated that land, variable inputs, and experience were significant at 1 percent and 5 percent levels; implying that these variables would greatly influence productivity of rice for both male and female farmers in the area; while age would influence rice production negatively, implying that the older the rice farmers the less the vigour for farming. Also, the coefficient for marital status of women was negative; implying that married women within reproductive age were more likely to be constrained in their production by their multiple roles and cultural practices that prevented women from direct field production activities. It was concluded that policies that would enhance farmers access to land, fertilizers, improved seeds, herbicides and labour; coupled with strategies for substituting women's time on production activities for non-entrepreneurial activities would likely enhance rice production and gender equity among rice farmers in the Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria.
The paper assessed the socio-economic determinants of adoption of yam minisett technology in the middle belt region of Nigeria; where 120 farmers were sampled through multi-stage random technique from six villages in two Local Government Areas of Kogi and Benue States. Data collected by structured interview were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages and means; and probit regression model. Results showed that 98.33 percent of farmers were aware of the technology while only 9.32 percent adopted the technology. The probit analysis indicated that age of the farmers, farm size, years of farming experience, amount of credit available and frequency of extension contacts were positively related to adoption and would probably increase adoption of the improved yam minisett technology. There is need to increase availability of credit, fertilizers and yam minisett dust, as well as improve extension services in the study area.
This paper aimed at determining the gender disparity along the rice value chain in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. 250 farmers were selected by stratified random technique from five villages in Katsina State of Nigeria. Data obtained by structured interview and focus group discussion methods were analyzed by descriptive statistics and gross margin techniques. Gross margin profit was significant for male farmers (t-statistics =10.628) but not for female farmers (t-statistics = 1.262) at 5 percent level. The rates of return on capital were 0.847, 0.148 and 0.601 for processing, wholesale market and retail market levels respectively. Socio-cultural factors confining women to indoor activities constrained their access to production inputs, processing facilities and market. Improved access of farmers to inputs, and women in particular to processing facilities and skills would promote production of good quality rice in the study area.
The study compared the economic performance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculenta) under irrigation and rain fed systems in Bassa and Makurdi Local Government Areas of Kogi and Benue States of Nigeria, with the aim of assessing the determinants of its profitability. Primary data obtained from a sample of 120 farmers by stratified and multi-staged random sampling from four villages were analyzed using percentages, means, gross margin, net profit, Shepherd-future coefficient and exponential regression model of combined profit function. Results revealed gender inequality; all respondents under irrigation system were male, compared to 71.7% female participation under rain fed system. Average net profits were N128,750 and N57,050; and economic efficiencies were 1.380 and 0.986 for irrigated and rain-fed systems respectively. Results also showed that farm size, planting material and herbicide were significant at one and five percent levels, and positively correlated with farmers' profit; while age and costs of fertilizer and labor were negative. The study concludes that tomato is more profitable and economically efficient under irrigation; and that increased access to land, herbicides, and improved seeds will promote profitability of the crop in the study area.
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