ArticlePDF Available

Trends, Perceptions and Adaptation Options of Livestock Farmers to Climate Change in Imo State, Nigeria: A Multinomial Logit Model Approach

Authors:
ESIOBU NNAEMEKA SUCCESS at Imo State University
ESIOBU NNAEMEKA SUCCESS
Download full-text PDF
Read full-text
Download citation

Abstract and Figures

The study evaluated trends, perceptions and adaptation options of livestock farmers to climate change in Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selection of respondents. Sample size comprised sixty households livestock farmers. Well structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Smart-Art, trend analysis and multinomial logit model were used for data analysis. In order to forecast the future trends of climate change in the area and beyond, climatic record of 40 years (1972 and 2012) duration were obtained from Agro-meteorological Station, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Mean age was 43.10years. Majority (78.33%) were males. Greater proportions (71.67%) were married with an average household size of six persons. Average farm income was N64,370.00 ($429.130). The study confirmed the evidence of climate change in the area. Farmers rightly perceived the direction of change as well. Thus, farmers have started responding to the change through the adoption of several local practices to thwart the negative impacts of the change. Unfortunately, farmers local adaptation options are inadequate to prevent them from devastation. However, if the trend continues, livestock production in the area may be adverse with time. Estimated multinomial logit model showed that socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers have a significant influence on their adaptation options to climate change. Farmers complained of inadequate information. It was therefore recommended that effective agricultural policies and programmes should focus on intensifying awareness on climate change.Government at all levels and private’s sector support fund is necessary to enhance farmers easy adaptation to climate change. Ultimately, in cooperating local knowledge into climate change, concerns should not be done at the expense of modern scientific knowledge. Local knowledge should complement rather than compete with global modern practices in counteracting the negative impact of climate change in the area and beyond.
Trend Analysis of the Relative Humidity for Imo State Rainforest Zone of Nigeria from 1972-2012 Source: Field Survey Data, 2013 The result is in accordance Onubuogu and Esiobu (2014) who reported that the evidence of variations in the climates of the coastal and rainforest regions of Nigeria of with Imo State, Nigeria in involved is seen on steady decreases in surface relative humidity amount. The implication of the finding is that livestock farmers will experience too high or too low moisture in the atmosphere which will retard growth, cause reduction in egg laying brooding, parturition and affect feed consumption negatively.
Trend Analysis of the Relative Humidity for Imo State Rainforest Zone of Nigeria from 1972-2012 Source: Field Survey Data, 2013 The result is in accordance Onubuogu and Esiobu (2014) who reported that the evidence of variations in the climates of the coastal and rainforest regions of Nigeria of with Imo State, Nigeria in involved is seen on steady decreases in surface relative humidity amount. The implication of the finding is that livestock farmers will experience too high or too low moisture in the atmosphere which will retard growth, cause reduction in egg laying brooding, parturition and affect feed consumption negatively.
… 
; Bar Chart Distribution of Farmers Perceptions on Changes in Climatic Variables it became clear that far mers in the area rightly perceived the direction of changes in temperature level implying that they must have been responding to this changes. Entries in Figure 5 also reveal that greater proportion (78.33%) of the farmers observed an increase in rainfall amount over 40 years. The implication of the findings is that rainfall amount has significantly increased over 30 years in the study area. Thus, farmers perception on changes climatic variables was in line with the result from trend analysis, it became clear that farmers in the area rightly perceived the direction of change in rainfall amount implying that they must have been responding to this changes. Result also indicted that larger percentage (65.00%) of the farmers in the study area observed that relative humidity has decreased over 40 years. This implies that relative humidity has significantly decreased over 40 years in the study area. Farmers perceptions on changes climatic variables was in line with the result from trend analysis, it also became clear that farmers in the area rightly perceived the direction of change in relative humidity implying that they must have been responding to this changes. Ultimately, Figure 5 result reveals that majority (81.67%) of the farmers in the study area observed that sunshine duration has increased over 40 years; this implies that relative humidity has significantly increased over 40 years in the study area. Farmers perceptions on changes climatic variables was in line with the result from trend analysis, it became clear that farmers in the area rightly perceived the direction of change in sunshine duration implying that they must have been responding to changes. Livestock Farmers Adaptation Options From Figure 6, the adaptation options for this study were based on asking farmers about their perception on climate change and the actions they had taken to thwart its negative impacts. The adaptation options that farmers report may be profit driven, rather than climate change driven. Regardless of this dearth in knowledge, the researcher assumed that livestock farmers actions were climatic factor rather than profit driven, as identified by farmers themselves (Onubuogu and Esiobu, 2014). The adaptations options of the farmers includes; mixed farming, water immersion/sprinkling, early stocking, late stocking, supply of heat during cold weather, stock rotation, use of well acclimated breeds, diversification of livelihood, regular feed change/supply and mixed stocking. As identified by the farmers, mixed farming, early stocking, late stocking, water immersion/springing, diversification of livelihood and supply of heat during cold weather were the most commonly used adaptation options of the livestock farmers. Mixed stocking, regular feed change/supply and used of well acclimated breeds were least practiced adaptation options. Greater adoption of mixed farming, early stocking, late stocking, water immersion/springing, diversification of livelihood and supply of heat during cold weather as adaptation methods could be heavily associated with the lower expense, ease of access by farmers and pursuit of higher income through livelihood diversification, while the mixed stocking, regular feed change/supply and used of well acclimated breeds could be attributed to the need for more farm working capital and farm labour which are not easily available. Onubuogu and Esiobu (2014) reported that adaptation option is costly. Hence if farmers do not have sufficient family labour or the financial means to hired labour, they cannot adapt. The implication of the finding is that livestock farmers in the study area are noticing the change in climatic variables and have adopted various adaptation options to counteract the negative impact of climate change in the area.
; Bar Chart Distribution of Farmers Perceptions on Changes in Climatic Variables it became clear that far mers in the area rightly perceived the direction of changes in temperature level implying that they must have been responding to this changes. Entries in Figure 5 also reveal that greater proportion (78.33%) of the farmers observed an increase in rainfall amount over 40 years. The implication of the findings is that rainfall amount has significantly increased over 30 years in the study area. Thus, farmers perception on changes climatic variables was in line with the result from trend analysis, it became clear that farmers in the area rightly perceived the direction of change in rainfall amount implying that they must have been responding to this changes. Result also indicted that larger percentage (65.00%) of the farmers in the study area observed that relative humidity has decreased over 40 years. This implies that relative humidity has significantly decreased over 40 years in the study area. Farmers perceptions on changes climatic variables was in line with the result from trend analysis, it also became clear that farmers in the area rightly perceived the direction of change in relative humidity implying that they must have been responding to this changes. Ultimately, Figure 5 result reveals that majority (81.67%) of the farmers in the study area observed that sunshine duration has increased over 40 years; this implies that relative humidity has significantly increased over 40 years in the study area. Farmers perceptions on changes climatic variables was in line with the result from trend analysis, it became clear that farmers in the area rightly perceived the direction of change in sunshine duration implying that they must have been responding to changes. Livestock Farmers Adaptation Options From Figure 6, the adaptation options for this study were based on asking farmers about their perception on climate change and the actions they had taken to thwart its negative impacts. The adaptation options that farmers report may be profit driven, rather than climate change driven. Regardless of this dearth in knowledge, the researcher assumed that livestock farmers actions were climatic factor rather than profit driven, as identified by farmers themselves (Onubuogu and Esiobu, 2014). The adaptations options of the farmers includes; mixed farming, water immersion/sprinkling, early stocking, late stocking, supply of heat during cold weather, stock rotation, use of well acclimated breeds, diversification of livelihood, regular feed change/supply and mixed stocking. As identified by the farmers, mixed farming, early stocking, late stocking, water immersion/springing, diversification of livelihood and supply of heat during cold weather were the most commonly used adaptation options of the livestock farmers. Mixed stocking, regular feed change/supply and used of well acclimated breeds were least practiced adaptation options. Greater adoption of mixed farming, early stocking, late stocking, water immersion/springing, diversification of livelihood and supply of heat during cold weather as adaptation methods could be heavily associated with the lower expense, ease of access by farmers and pursuit of higher income through livelihood diversification, while the mixed stocking, regular feed change/supply and used of well acclimated breeds could be attributed to the need for more farm working capital and farm labour which are not easily available. Onubuogu and Esiobu (2014) reported that adaptation option is costly. Hence if farmers do not have sufficient family labour or the financial means to hired labour, they cannot adapt. The implication of the finding is that livestock farmers in the study area are noticing the change in climatic variables and have adopted various adaptation options to counteract the negative impact of climate change in the area.
… 
Livestock Farmers Adaptation Options; Field Survey Data, 2013 Farmers Enterprise Type Figure 7 reveals that majority (96.67%) of the livestock farmers are involved in poultry production. This implies that farmers have several livestock enterprise type. Diversification of livelihood is one of the options farmers used in adaptation to climate change as earlier found out in the study.
Livestock Farmers Adaptation Options; Field Survey Data, 2013 Farmers Enterprise Type Figure 7 reveals that majority (96.67%) of the livestock farmers are involved in poultry production. This implies that farmers have several livestock enterprise type. Diversification of livelihood is one of the options farmers used in adaptation to climate change as earlier found out in the study.
… 
Trend Analysis of the Temperature Record for Imo State Rainforest Zone of Nigeria from 1972- 2012; Source: Field Survey Data, 2013
Trend Analysis of the Temperature Record for Imo State Rainforest Zone of Nigeria from 1972- 2012; Source: Field Survey Data, 2013
… 
Trend Analysis of the Amount of Rainfall for Imo State Rainforest Zone of Nigeria from 1972- 2012; Source: Field Survey Data, 2013 Trend Analysis for Sunshine Duration (1972–2012) Table 5 and Figure 4 reveals the trend analysis of record on the sunshine duration in the study area between 1972 and 2012 which shows a significant increasing trend with a coefficient of 4.357 hours per year. The minimum and maximum value of sunshine duration obtained were 4.10 hours in 1984 and 5.80 hours in 2010 respectively. The mean and standard deviation of the sunshine duration in the study area between 1972 and 2012 were 4.42 hours and 0.72 hours respectively. Hence there is a poor but significant variability between sunshine hours and time all year round in the study area. The coefficient of pearson product moment correlation between sunshine duration and time was 0.056 implying that there is a 5.60% relationship between sunshine hours and
+1
Trend Analysis of the Amount of Rainfall for Imo State Rainforest Zone of Nigeria from 1972- 2012; Source: Field Survey Data, 2013 Trend Analysis for Sunshine Duration (1972–2012) Table 5 and Figure 4 reveals the trend analysis of record on the sunshine duration in the study area between 1972 and 2012 which shows a significant increasing trend with a coefficient of 4.357 hours per year. The minimum and maximum value of sunshine duration obtained were 4.10 hours in 1984 and 5.80 hours in 2010 respectively. The mean and standard deviation of the sunshine duration in the study area between 1972 and 2012 were 4.42 hours and 0.72 hours respectively. Hence there is a poor but significant variability between sunshine hours and time all year round in the study area. The coefficient of pearson product moment correlation between sunshine duration and time was 0.056 implying that there is a 5.60% relationship between sunshine hours and
… 
Figures - uploaded by ESIOBU NNAEMEKA SUCCESS
Author content
All figure content in this area was uploaded by ESIOBU NNAEMEKA SUCCESS
Content may be subject to copyright.
Content uploaded by ESIOBU NNAEMEKA SUCCESS
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by ESIOBU NNAEMEKA SUCCESS on Apr 15, 2016
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
... Despite efforts to address environmental degradation, Nigeria continues to experience widespread loss of natural resources, threatening the country's ecological balance and socio-economic stability. The degradation of forests, soil erosion, pollution of water bodies, and loss of biodiversity are among the pressing environmental challenges facing the nation [6,7]. While various studies have examined specific aspects of resource degradation, there remains a need for comprehensive research that investigates the influence of environmental variables on the overall degradation of natural resources in Nigeria [8,9]. ...
Influence of Environmental Variables on Resource Degradation in Nigeria: Land Use Patterns in Focus
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2024
This study investigates the influence of environmental variables on resource degradation in Nigeria, with focus on land use patterns. With Nigeria facing increasing environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, understanding the underlying factors contributing to resource degradation is crucial for effective environmental management and sustainable development. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the research examined the relationship between environmental variables, in particular, land use patterns, and their impact on resource degradation. Resource degradation in Nigeria is a critical environmental concern with far-reaching implications for sustainable development; hence, through empirical analysis and data-driven insights, the study aims to enhance understanding of the complex relationships between environmental variables and resource degradation, providing valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to develop effective strategies for environmental conservation and sustainable resource management in Nigeria.
View
... Despite efforts to address environmental degradation, Nigeria continues to experience widespread loss of natural resources, threatening the country's ecological balance and socio-economic stability. The degradation of forests, soil erosion, pollution of water bodies, and loss of biodiversity are among the pressing environmental challenges facing the nation [6,7]. While various studies have examined specific aspects of resource degradation, there remains a need for comprehensive research that investigates the influence of environmental variables on the overall degradation of natural resources in Nigeria [8,9]. ...
Influence of Environmental Variables on Resource Degradation in Nigeria: Land Use Patterns in Focus
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2024
This study investigates the influence of environmental variables on resource degradation in Nigeria, with focus on land use patterns. With Nigeria facing increasing environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, understanding the underlying factors contributing to resource degradation is crucial for effective environmental management and sustainable development. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the research examined the relationship between environmental variables, in particular, land use patterns, and their impact on resource degradation. Resource degradation in Nigeria is a critical environmental concern with far-reaching implications for sustainable development; hence, through empirical analysis and data-driven insights, the study aims to enhance understanding of the complex relationships between environmental variables and resource degradation, providing valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to develop effective strategies for environmental conservation and sustainable resource management in Nigeria.
View
... Adaptation strategies like regular vaccination, selling of animals, changes in cropping pattern for fodder production (e.g., more stress/drought resilient varieties, or growing short duration variety of fodder) could significantly decrease the climate change vulnerability (Ali, 2018;Shahbaz et al., 2020;Sirohi et al., 2010). Insurance, diversification of farm through off-farm income activities and migration are other adaptation measures (in drought and flood conditions) (Alam et al., 2017;de Vries, 2019;Esiobu & Onubuogu, 2014). Along this, farmers also tend to adapt some short-term measures such as feeding and breeding practices and healthcare coping measures for animals so that the undesirable effects of climatic risks can be mitigated to sustain farm production and livelihood (Parameswaranaik et al., 2017;Uma et al., 2017). ...
Estimating impact of climate change adaptation on productivity and earnings of dairy farmers: evidence from Pakistani Punjab
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2023
  • Environ Dev Sustain
Dairy farming is highly vulnerable to climate change in Pakistan; therefore, productivity and earnings of small dairy farmers are at a higher risk. Dairy farmers can reduce the determintal impacts of climate change on productivity and earnings by adaptation to climate change. It is thus critical to understand the adaptation to climate change among dariy farmers and consequent impacts on productivity and earnings. Using cross-sectional data of 450 dairy farmers from three different agroecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan, study has employed the logistic regression to determine determinants of adaptation and to analyze the adaptation impact on farm productivity and on earnings of the farmers. Educated and large farm size farmers are highly probable to adopting more adaptation measures compared to their counterparts. Estimates of PSM reveal that milk productivity and earings of adapters are higher than non-adapters. Regular vaccination found to be the most widely adopted strategy, which provides greater returns in terms of sustained milk prodction and improved dairy income. The research makes significant recommendations for adapting policies to climate change in dairy farming for improving well-being of rural households.
View
... Farmers agree that climate change impact on their production (Kuponiyi et al. 2010). For instance, farmers (63.33%) in Imo State claim to have observed rise in temperature for over 40 years which is perceived as one of the changes in climatic variables which influence their production (Onubuogu and Esiobu 2014). Indeed, climate change and environmental disturbances such as gas flaring and crude oil spillages form part of the major aftermaths of oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta which continue to impact on agricultural production in the region. ...
View
... Variables on Backyard Poultry Production = 2.58) as having a critical impact on backyard poultry production in the area. The findings align with Onubuogu and Esiobu [34], who stated that household poultry is constrained by temperature, sunshine, relative humidity, and rainfall in Nigeria. This study also agrees with Elija and Adedapo's [35] conclusion that the degree of domestic poultry performance is reliant not only on the genetic ability of the bird but also on the most significant environmental factors. ...
Analysis of Backyard Poultry Farmers' Awareness, Perceptions, and Adaptability to Climate Change in Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2022
The poultry industry worldwide suffers significantly due to climate change, which may affect the chicken protein source. The study examined backyard poultry farmers' awareness, perceptions, and responses to climate change in Tonkolili, Sierra Leone. Data were collected from 232 backyard poultry farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 Software. According to the respondents' socioeconomic profiles, the majority of farmers (53.4%) were between the ages of 31 and 40 years, and most of them were female (59.5%) and married (54.3%). The average household size was between 5-8 persons, and the majority of respondents (59.5%) lacked formal education. The poultry farmers are well aware of climate change (96.6%), and that decrease in rainfall (x̄ = 3.45) and increasing temperature (x̄ = 3.39) affects poultry production, leading to high incidences of poultry diseases (x̄ = 4.11), increases the cost of feed (x̄ = 3.99), and reduces the quantity of egg production (x̄ = 3.92). The logistic regression model results showed that the positive and significant factors that influenced climate change awareness are gender and sources of climate change information. Some of the adaptation strategies practices by the farmers are an adequate supply of drinking water, increased quantity of supplementary feed, and rearing a different variety of birds. Climate change affects backyard poultry production therefore, poultry farmers should be provided with technical training and assistance through extension services to help alleviate the impact of climate change on backyard poultry production.
View
... About 40% respondents reported that lack of knowledge about climatic variability and proper feeding of animals in extreme weather conditions is one of the major constraints in the process of adaptation to climate change. Similarly, the low knowledge and awareness levels among the farming community regarding climate change adaptation as reported by 60% dairy farmers, is also a major constraint in adaptation to climate change (Esiobu and Onubuogu, 2014;Khan et al., 2020). ...
Adaptation to climate change risks among dairy farmers in Punjab, Pakistan
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2022
  • LAND USE POLICY
Adaptation to climate change is a complex process and requires sound understanding of how climatic changes are perceived and interpreted at local level by dairy farmers. This study is therefore designed to investigate the climatic risk perception, risk attitude, determinants of adaptation measures/strategies and constraints faced by the dairy farmers. The present study is among the pioneering studies considering dairy sector in developing countries in general and Pakistan in particular. A well-structured questionnaire was used to interview 450 dairy households from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab province of Pakistan. The study employed binary logit models to determine the influence of climate risk perception, risk attitude and other factors on adaptation decision of farmers. The findings of study revealed that climatic risk perception and risk tolerant nature of farmers positively influenced the use of adaptation measures such as selling of weak/diseased animals, migration, off-farm income activities and changes in cropping pattern, while risk averse behavior had negative impact on adaptation decisions. Among other determinants, education, farming experience, number of dairy animals, access to extension/veterinary officer and access to credit facilities has positive and significant influence on adaptation to climate change. Study also identified major constraints (socio-psychological, economic, technical, infrastructural/institutional and communicational) preventing dairy farmers to adopt adaptation measures against climatic risks. The study posits important policy measures.
View
Analysis of Participating and Non-Participating Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) Farmers in Pineapple Production in Awgu LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2014
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is rated as the third most valuable economic fruit behind bananas and citruses at global level. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the production figure of pineapple increased from 1.43 million metric tonnes. Nigeria takes the lead as the highest producer in Africa. Therefore, it is critical to compare the relative performance of participating and non-participating Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) farmers in pineapple production in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. Sixty participating and non-participating pineapple farmers respectively were purposively selected for the study. Structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, smart-Art, Z-statistic, likert scale rating and multiple linear regression analysis. Average farm income of participating and non-participating farmers were ₦89,790.00 (598.600)and₦49,481.00(598.600) and ₦49,481.00 (329.873) respectively. Mean farm sizes of participating and non-participating farmers were 2.01 and 1.06Ha respectively. Average yield/output of participating and non-participating farmers in 2013 cropping season were 3,952.00 and 1,061.00 tonnes Ha-1 respectively. Majority (63.22%) of the CADP participating farmers are engaged in marketing of pineapple after harvest. Participating farmers realized a positive significant (P<0.05) higher income than non-participating farmers. Different estimated econometric analysis revealed that farming experience, educational level, farm size, household size, marital status and membership of cooperative were found to be significant factors influencing output of both participating and non-participating farmers and the relationships were found to be statistically significant at 1% and 5% level of probability respectively. Participating farmers complained of poor feeder roads and inadequate processing and storage facilities. Despite this challenges, participating farmers perceived CADP of being highly effective (68.33%) and invaluable in the area. Non-participating farmers identified inadequate information and long distance between farms and market. It was therefore recommended that infrastructural facilities such as good feeder roads, modern processing and storage facilities should be provided by the government for both farmers to reduce the rate of perishability, shorten the chain of distribution and enable both farmers to receive better prices/income at reduced transportation cost. Ultimately, for CADP to improve outreach and performance, investment effort should rigorously intensify awareness about CADP in the area so that more unreached farmers could be reached thereby enhancing pineapple production in the area and beyond.
View
View
csa-proceedings-revised-finaldownload
Conference Paper
Full-text available
  • May 2022
View
Climate Information Services Available to Farming Households in Northern Region, Ghana
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2022
Climate information services can build the resilience of African farmers to address the increasing threats associated with climate change. This study used household surveys with 200 farmers and focus group discussions to identify the types of climate information services available to farming households in two selected districts (Tolon and Nanton) in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study also identified the dissemination channels and the barriers faced by farmers in their access and use of climate information services for building climate resilience in Ghanaian farming systems. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the determinants of farmers' access to climate information services. Results show that 70% of the surveyed farmers had access to varied forms of climate information services. The most prevalent meteorological variables accessible to them were rainfall, temperature, and windstorms in the form of daily and weekly weather forecasts, with only very limited availability and use of seasonal climate forecasts. Radio, television, and advice from extension agents were reported as the major dissemination channels by study respondents. A majority of the farmers reported lack of communication devices, mistrust in weather and climate forecasts, and lack of visual representations in the forecasts as major barriers to access and use of climate information services. The results highlight the importance of timely and reliable access to climate information services in enhancing farmers' decision-making capacities and the need for training and recruitment of more extension agents to work with farmers on linking climate information services to targeted actions on crop and land management.
View
Determinants of Income from Poultry Egg Production in Imo State, Nigeria: An Econometric Model Approach
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2014
The study evaluated the determinants of income from poultry egg production in Imo State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling techniques was used in selection of respondents. The sample size comprised sixty poultry egg producers. The main tool for data collection was a set of structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, gross income analysis and econometric regression model. Findings revealed the mean age to be 43.10years. Results also showed that poultry egg production in the area is dominated by females (61.67%). Majority (76.67%) were married with an average household size of 6.1 persons. The average farm income was N77,300.00 (515.33)whilethemeanfarmsizewas488.00birds.Greaterproportion(96.67515.33) while the mean farm size was 488.00 birds. Greater proportion (96.67%) keeps Cinnamon Queen as their breed of layers. Result revealed that under suitable condition (feeds and water Ad -libitum), A Cinnamon Queen is efficient and capable of producing between 25-30 quantities of eggs per month. Finding shows that cost of feeding (N126,000.00)(840.00) was the highest total variable cost recorded. Producers earned a positive net return of N180,320.00 (1,202.13)andreturnpercapitalinvestedwasN0.36(1,202.13) and return per capital invested was N0.36 (0.0024). Estimated econometric analysis revealed that farm size (4.346), education (2.567), farming experience (5.495), farm income (5.029), household size (4.910), extension contact (2.696) and membership of cooperative (2.834) were found to be the significant determinant of output and income. The relationships were statistically significant at 1% level of probability. The F-ratio (37.968) revealed the overall significant of the model. Poultry egg production is efficient and lucrative in the area. However, producers complained of high cost of feeds and poor feeder roads. It was therefore recommended that producers/farmers should be encouraged to form agricultural co-operatives to eliminate the exploitative and dubious activities of the some input agencies as well as enable them obtain credits from the government and other credits institutions. Government effort should address to high cost of poultry feeds in the area. Ultimately, infrastructural facilities such as good feeder roads should also be provided in the area to reduce the rate of spoilage, shorten the chain of distribution and enable producers to receive better prices at reduced transportation cost.
View
Economics of Pineapple Marketing in Owerri Municipal Council Area, Imo State, Nigeria
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2014
This study was conducted to analyze the economics of pineapple marketing in Owerri Municipal Council Area, Imo State, Nigeria. The study identified socio-economic characteristics of pineapple marketers, ascertained marketing channels, determined effects of socio-economic characteristics on profit margins, determined the marketing margin, ascertained the marketing efficiency, examined the costs, return and profitability of pineapple marketing and identified the constraints associated with pineapple marketing. Three markets from the study area were selected for this study. Sample size comprised 60 household pineapple marketers. Structured questionnaire were used in the collection of data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, gross income analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings revealed that pineapple marketing embraced more of able young persons as the mean age was found to be 34.12years. Results also revealed that pineapple marketing is dominated by females (96.67%). Most (80.00%) of the pineapple marketers were married with an average household size of five persons. Three product flow channels exist for the pineapple marketing with the major channel being that from the producers through wholesalers to retailers and ultimately to the final consumers. The marketers earned a positive net return of N770.00 and the return per capital was N0.55. Results from the estimated multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (2.934), marital status (5.149), education (5.184), marketing experience (3.272), monthly income (2.676) and membership of cooperative (3.096) were found to be the significant factors influencing profit margin and the relationships were statistically significant at 1% level of probability. The F-Ratio (57.298) revealed the overall significant of the model which led to the rejection of the null hypothesis hence concludes that the socio-economic characteristics of pineapple marketers have a significant influence on their profit margins. Findings also revealed that pineapple marketing is efficient and lucrative in the area. However, inadequate capital, price fluctuation and inadequate storage facilities are the major constraints militating against its efficient marketing system. It was therefore recommended that effective agricultural policies and programmes should focus on marketers easy access to credits. Infrastructural facilities such as good feeder roads should also be provided for the marketers to reduce spoilage and distressed sales. Marketers should be encouraged to form agricultural marketing cooperatives to eliminate the exploitative activities of some middlemen. Ultimately, processing companies should be established in the area so as to bring processors closer to the marketers. This will reduce the rate of perishability, shorten the chain of distribution and enable marketers to receive better prices at reduced transportation cost
View
View
Socioeconomic factors affecting the adoption potential of improved tree fallows in Africa
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 1999
In many parts of Africa, farmers periodically fallow their land, which is allowing land to lie idle for one or more seasons primarily to restore its fertility. This paper assesses the feasibility, profitability, and acceptability of improved tree fallows, which are the deliberate planting of trees or shrubs in rotation with crops to improve soil fertility. Improved tree fallows are assessed at different stages of intensification, drawing on farmers' experiences in three different settings. In extensive systems where land is plentiful and existing fallows with natural regeneration of vegetation restore soil fertility (southern Cameroon), farmers have little incentive to invest labor in establishing improved fallows. Where population density is higher and fallow periods are decreasing and farmers perceive a decline in soil fertility (eastern Zambia), improved fallows have great potential. In intensive systems where land is unavailable and cropping is often continuous (western Kenya), many farmers find it difficult to fallow land. Even here, there is scope for introducing improved fallows, especially among farmers who have off-farm income. Labor constraints and institutional support were found to greatly influence the feasibility of improved fallows. In intensive systems, low returns to cropping, low base yields, and a high opportunity cost of labor increase the returns to improved fallows. Principal factors associated with acceptability include past perception of soil fertility problems, past use of measures for improving soil fertility, current fallowing, economic importance of annual cropping, and wealth level. Adoption potential may be increased by reducing fallow periods, intercropping trees and crops during the first season, reducing establishment costs, producing higher value by-products, and by encouraging farmers to test improved fallows on high-value crops.
View
Farmers' Adoption of Conservation Agriculture: A Review and Synthesis of Recent Research
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2007
  • FOOD POLICY
In light of growing concerns over the implications of many conventional agricultural practices, and especially the deep tilling of soils, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), among others, has begun to promote a package of soil conserving practices under the banner of ‘conservation agriculture’. While the title might be novel, its associated practices have long been employed by farmers, and studied by social scientists seeking to understand the reasons for their adoption and non-adoption. This paper reviews and synthesizes this past research in order to identify those independent variables that regularly explain adoption, and thereby facilitate policy prescriptions to augment adoption around the world. While a disaggregated analysis of a subset of commonly used variables reveals some underlying patterns of influence, once various contextual factors (e.g. study locale or method) are controlled, the primary finding of the synthesis is that there are few if any universal variables that regularly explain the adoption of conservation agriculture across past analyses. Given the limited prospect of identifying such variables through further research, we conclude that efforts to promote conservation agriculture will have to be tailored to reflect the particular conditions of individual locales.
View
Climate Change and Resilience Value of Mussel Farming for the Baltic Sea
Chapter
Full-text available
  • Aug 2010
The purpose of this paper has been to estimate the impacts of climate change on resilience values of mussel farming in the Baltic Sea. Resilience value was related to the impact of mussel farming on the exposure to risk in nutrient loadings. Its value is determined by reliability concern; decrease in total risk, and on the cost of mussel farming relative to other abatement measures. Since resilience values in this setting are positive only under conditions of uncertainty, climate change effects were measured in terms of impacts on variability in nutrient loads. Unfortunately, there exist no studies with a systematic assessment of such climate change effects on nutrient loads from all drainage basins. Simplifying assumptions were therefore made; variability is either doubled or reduced by one half due to climate change effects. The results showed that the estimated resilience value ranges between 0.01 and 7.94 SEK kg-1 live mussel. This result can be compared with the market retail price of mussel in Sweden in 2009, which amounted to 3.5 SEK kg-1. Thus, when resilience is of concern for policy makers, the value of mussel farming can be considerable. However, the results must be interpreted with much caution since they rest on several different types of assumptions mainly with respect to quantification of climate change
View
Hailemariam Teklewold, Legesse Dadi, Alemu Yami and Negusse Dana. 2006. Determinants of Adoption of Poultry Technology: A double-hurdle approach. Livestock Research for Rural Development (18) 03 2006. http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd18/3/tekl18040.htm
Article
  • Mar 2006
The objective of this study was to determine factors influencing the rate and intensity of adoption of poultry technology, assuming the two decisions process were separate. The double-hurdle class of model has been applied in this paper with this important distinction in mind. The model was fitted to a sample of 200 smallholder farmers from east Shewa and Welayeta zones in Ethiopia. Results indicate that 41.5% of the study farmers reported adoption of exotic poultry with a mean proportion of 0.54. As expected, there were different sets of factors behind the decision to adopt and the decision about to which extent to do so. Farmers' decision on adoption of poultry technology was positively affected by sex of the household head, family size, availability of supplementary feed, credit and extension service and extent of expected benefit from poultry, and negatively affected by market problem. On the other hand, farmers' decision on the extent of adoption of exotic poultry breed was positively influenced by age of the household head, experience in adoption of poultry technology, expected benefit from poultry and negatively influenced by market problem.
View
View
View
An Introduction to Positive Economics
Article
  • Jan 1971
This text book was originally published in 1963. It is now in its 12rth edition and re-titled Economics and co-authored with Alec Chrystal. It was originally written to promote the Poppperian view that empirically interesting proposition must be potentially testable i.e., capable of being confronted with conflicting evidence. This in contrast to the then-prevailing view in the UK that was stated by Robbins in the Nature and Significance that theories are tested by examining the intuitive plausibility of their assumptions. Greatly changed over the decades, the 4th edition is be best one to catch the thrust and content of the original.. .
View