K. Bolarinwa, Iyanuoluwa Simeon Ajayi, Olufunmilola Oyinade Adenuga, A. Obayelu
The study examined leadership styles and employees’ job performance in the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN). A total of 120 employees were chosen at random from among the 900 FRIN employees. Percentages, means, standard deviation and regression were used for the analysis. Results showed that the majority (89.2%) of the employees displayed transformational leadership styles while 87.5% of the employees were democratic in their leadership styles. Indicators of autocratic leadership style include: superiors telling subordinates what to do, how to do it, and when they want it done (x̄ =3.6). Indicators of laissez-faire leadership style include employees responsible for defining his or her own job ( x̄ = 3.01). Aspects of job performance influenced by the leadership styles of employees include: efficiently managing information and data ( x̄ = 4.10) and achieving deadlines ( x̄ = 4.10). Transformational (78.5%) and democratic styles (54.3%) caused (variations in employee job performance. The organization made used of transformational and democratic leadership styles more than other leadership styles. The organisation should encourage the use of the two styles and mix it with other leadership styles where necessary in order to improve the administrative strength and achievement of organisational goals
{"title":"Leadership Styles and Employees’ Job Performance at Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria","authors":"K. Bolarinwa, Iyanuoluwa Simeon Ajayi, Olufunmilola Oyinade Adenuga, A. Obayelu","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.4","url":null,"abstract":"The study examined leadership styles and employees’ job performance in the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN). A total of 120 employees were chosen at random from among the 900 FRIN employees. Percentages, means, standard deviation and regression were used for the analysis. Results showed that the majority (89.2%) of the employees displayed transformational leadership styles while 87.5% of the employees were democratic in their leadership styles. Indicators of autocratic leadership style include: superiors telling subordinates what to do, how to do it, and when they want it done (x̄ =3.6). Indicators of laissez-faire leadership style include employees responsible for defining his or her own job ( x̄ = 3.01). Aspects of job performance influenced by the leadership styles of employees include: efficiently managing information and data ( x̄ = 4.10) and achieving deadlines ( x̄ = 4.10). Transformational (78.5%) and democratic styles (54.3%) caused (variations in employee job performance. The organization made used of transformational and democratic leadership styles more than other leadership styles. The organisation should encourage the use of the two styles and mix it with other leadership styles where necessary in order to improve the administrative strength and achievement of organisational goals ","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43589061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. C. Ifeanyi-obi, Chimkanmma Chimenem Wigwe, O. M. Adesope, A. Obafemi
The study assessed traditional perceptions of climate change phenomenon influencing adaptation decisions among women crop farmers in southern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 420 rural women crop farmers for the study. Structured interview schedule through the use of Open Data Kit, focus group discussion and in-depth interview were used to collect data. Data were analysed using mean, percentages and Binary Logit regression. Approximately 89% had taken the decision to adapt to climate change with 81% supporting their decision with action by utilizing available climate change adaptation strategies. The belief that climate change is too complex to understand ( x̄= 2.83), caused solely by man’s carelessness over his environment ( x̄= 2.97), rainfall and temperature variation ( x̄= 3.07), violation of traditional farming rituals (x̄ = 2.72) and God’s anger on mankind (x̄ = 2. 65) were the major traditional perceptions of climate change influencing adaptation decisions among rural women crop farmers. The traditional perceptions of climate change among other factors were found to influence rural women crop farmers’ decision to adapt to climate change. Knowledge building through training workshops on climate change is key to stimulating right adaptation decisions and action among rural women crop farmers.
{"title":"Traditional Perceptions of Climate Change Phenomenon Influencing Adaptation Decisions among Women Crop Farmers in Southern Nigeria","authors":"C. C. Ifeanyi-obi, Chimkanmma Chimenem Wigwe, O. M. Adesope, A. Obafemi","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.2","url":null,"abstract":"The study assessed traditional perceptions of climate change phenomenon influencing adaptation decisions among women crop farmers in southern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 420 rural women crop farmers for the study. Structured interview schedule through the use of Open Data Kit, focus group discussion and in-depth interview were used to collect data. Data were analysed using mean, percentages and Binary Logit regression. Approximately 89% had taken the decision to adapt to climate change with 81% supporting their decision with action by utilizing available climate change adaptation strategies. The belief that climate change is too complex to understand ( x̄= 2.83), caused solely by man’s carelessness over his environment ( x̄= 2.97), rainfall and temperature variation ( x̄= 3.07), violation of traditional farming rituals (x̄ = 2.72) and God’s anger on mankind (x̄ = 2. 65) were the major traditional perceptions of climate change influencing adaptation decisions among rural women crop farmers. The traditional perceptions of climate change among other factors were found to influence rural women crop farmers’ decision to adapt to climate change. Knowledge building through training workshops on climate change is key to stimulating right adaptation decisions and action among rural women crop farmers. ","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44707200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kifle Tekeste, Tolossa Degefa, Shibru Admasu, A. Dawit
This study determined factors of the adoption of improved varieties of certified maize, teff, and wheat seeds in central Ethiopia. The logit model was applied to estimate the likelihood of adoption decisions. The result showed that 29% of household respondents adopted improved seeds, while 71% relied on their local landraces. The findings also revealed that farmers' decisions to adopt wheat, teff, and maize varieties were significantly influenced by educational level, farm size, farming experience, income, credit access, extension contact, farm input, and distance to the market. Thus, the study recommends that the government should focus on strengthening extension services, improving access to improved seeds, expanding timely agricultural inputs supply, improving market opportunities, equipping knowledgeable farmers who increase the use of new varieties, and making the land more economical by sharing agronomic practices are areas that need policy attention enhancing the adoption of certified seeds of improved varieties.
{"title":"Determinants of Adoption of Improved Varieties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Teff (Eragrostis teff), and Maize (Zea mays L.) in Central Ethiopia","authors":"Kifle Tekeste, Tolossa Degefa, Shibru Admasu, A. Dawit","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.1","url":null,"abstract":"This study determined factors of the adoption of improved varieties of certified maize, teff, and wheat seeds in central Ethiopia. The logit model was applied to estimate the likelihood of adoption decisions. The result showed that 29% of household respondents adopted improved seeds, while 71% relied on their local landraces. The findings also revealed that farmers' decisions to adopt wheat, teff, and maize varieties were significantly influenced by educational level, farm size, farming experience, income, credit access, extension contact, farm input, and distance to the market. Thus, the study recommends that the government should focus on strengthening extension services, improving access to improved seeds, expanding timely agricultural inputs supply, improving market opportunities, equipping knowledgeable farmers who increase the use of new varieties, and making the land more economical by sharing agronomic practices are areas that need policy attention enhancing the adoption of certified seeds of improved varieties. ","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49399523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. E. Nwobodo, E. Agwu, D. J. Okoronkwo, Celestina Dupe Innih
The study assessed the determinants of communication channel use among rice value chain actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select six hundred (600) respondents. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model with the forced entry method. Results show that the full Logit Regression model containing all the predictors for determinants of use of face-to-face communication channel (x2 = 19.74), mobile phone (x2 = 46.453), radio (x2 = 55.12), television (x2 = 34.41) and print media (x2 = 29.71) were statistically significant. The key determinants for the use of mobile phones include: sex, age, number of social organizations, and years of experience while sex, age, and number of years spent in school were key determinants in the use of television. Therefore, extension agents should consider the different socio-economic groups in selecting communication channels in reaching out to rice value chain actors as identified. Also, extension agencies should create awareness, and provide training opportunities to enable actors to take advantage of the available channels in rice value chain communication.
{"title":"Determinants of Communication Channel Used among Rice Value Chain Actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria","authors":"C. E. Nwobodo, E. Agwu, D. J. Okoronkwo, Celestina Dupe Innih","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.3","url":null,"abstract":"The study assessed the determinants of communication channel use among rice value chain actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select six hundred (600) respondents. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model with the forced entry method. Results show that the full Logit Regression model containing all the predictors for determinants of use of face-to-face communication channel (x2 = 19.74), mobile phone (x2 = 46.453), radio (x2 = 55.12), television (x2 = 34.41) and print media (x2 = 29.71) were statistically significant. The key determinants for the use of mobile phones include: sex, age, number of social organizations, and years of experience while sex, age, and number of years spent in school were key determinants in the use of television. Therefore, extension agents should consider the different socio-economic groups in selecting communication channels in reaching out to rice value chain actors as identified. Also, extension agencies should create awareness, and provide training opportunities to enable actors to take advantage of the available channels in rice value chain communication.","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43933716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Izuogu, L. Njoku, M. Olaolu, Philomina Chinyere Kadurumba, G. Azuamairo, Gabriel Daniel Agou
It has become difficult to articulate the impacts, needs and challenges of digitalization of agriculture due to the extensive nature of publications relating to the digitalization of the agricultural sector. This review evaluated the effect of digitalization of agriculture on improved food production and standard of living, identified the training needs of extension staff and clientele for digitalization of agriculture, and highlighted the challenges of digitalization of agriculture. From an initial search of 208 articles, only 87 articles met the inclusion criteria using the PRISMA guidelines. Most articles were published between 2016 and 2020; more studies were carried out in the South Western region of the country. Digitalization of agriculture has reduced the role of middlemen, provided opportunities for farmers to expand their markets, and improved the linkage between extension and research centers, and productivity and livelihood of small-scale farmers. Training needs for effective digitalization of agriculture were in skills, use of relevant digital services, digital privacy and security risks. Challenges of digitalization of agriculture were lack of technical skill, poor infrastructure and high cost of purchase and maintenance. The government should focus on initiating agricultural technology transfer programs and provide the necessary rural infrastructure to support the sector's digitalisation.
{"title":"A Review of the Digitalization of Agriculture in Nigeria","authors":"C. Izuogu, L. Njoku, M. Olaolu, Philomina Chinyere Kadurumba, G. Azuamairo, Gabriel Daniel Agou","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.5","url":null,"abstract":"It has become difficult to articulate the impacts, needs and challenges of digitalization of agriculture due to the extensive nature of publications relating to the digitalization of the agricultural sector. This review evaluated the effect of digitalization of agriculture on improved food production and standard of living, identified the training needs of extension staff and clientele for digitalization of agriculture, and highlighted the challenges of digitalization of agriculture. From an initial search of 208 articles, only 87 articles met the inclusion criteria using the PRISMA guidelines. Most articles were published between 2016 and 2020; more studies were carried out in the South Western region of the country. Digitalization of agriculture has reduced the role of middlemen, provided opportunities for farmers to expand their markets, and improved the linkage between extension and research centers, and productivity and livelihood of small-scale farmers. Training needs for effective digitalization of agriculture were in skills, use of relevant digital services, digital privacy and security risks. Challenges of digitalization of agriculture were lack of technical skill, poor infrastructure and high cost of purchase and maintenance. The government should focus on initiating agricultural technology transfer programs and provide the necessary rural infrastructure to support the sector's digitalisation. ","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42819470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Julina Chinasa Iwuchukwu, Okechukwu George Eke, Precious Obinna Arigbo, E. O. Chukwudum, N. J. Igwe
This research examined the challenges, and training needs for the integration of social media into extension in Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety-seven agricultural extension workers were proportionately selected from six agricultural zones in Enugu State. Data were generated through a questionnaire and results were presented with percentages and mean scores. The major challenge to the use of social media was the lack of access to social media by some target audiences ( x̄ =1.55) and the complexity of the devices (phone and media). Some areas of training needs of the extension workers were how to place advertisements using Youtube (89.5%), how to transform images on Instagram (89%), how to post a link on Twitter (83.6%) and how to update WhatsApp application (79.4%). The government and extension organization should provide internet and internet-enabled devices as part of tools for extension work and the use of social media should be incorporated as part of continuous professional development (CPD) for extension agents by extension organizations in Enugu State.
{"title":"Challenges and Training Needs for Integrating Social Media into Agricultural Extension Services in Enugu State, Nigeria","authors":"Julina Chinasa Iwuchukwu, Okechukwu George Eke, Precious Obinna Arigbo, E. O. Chukwudum, N. J. Igwe","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.9","url":null,"abstract":"This research examined the challenges, and training needs for the integration of social media into extension in Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety-seven agricultural extension workers were proportionately selected from six agricultural zones in Enugu State. Data were generated through a questionnaire and results were presented with percentages and mean scores. The major challenge to the use of social media was the lack of access to social media by some target audiences ( x̄ =1.55) and the complexity of the devices (phone and media). Some areas of training needs of the extension workers were how to place advertisements using Youtube (89.5%), how to transform images on Instagram (89%), how to post a link on Twitter (83.6%) and how to update WhatsApp application (79.4%). The government and extension organization should provide internet and internet-enabled devices as part of tools for extension work and the use of social media should be incorporated as part of continuous professional development (CPD) for extension agents by extension organizations in Enugu State.","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43239276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study adopted a content analysis to describe the prominence given to agricultural information in print media using four selected Newspapers. Specifically, the study determined the space allotted; the number; and prominence given to agricultural information in Nigerian newspapers. Stratified and purposive sampling procedures were used to select a sample of 384 editions of newspapers for analysis. Data were collected from hard copies of the selected Newspapers and were analysed using percentages, Kruskal Wallis (H) test and Pearson Product Moment correlation. Findings revealed that a total of 102,317.57cm2 space was allotted to agricultural information out of which 41% was used by the Guardian Newspaper. Only 398 pieces of agricultural information were reported out of a total of 29,666 pieces of information reported. There were significant differences across the newspapers in the number and space allotted to agricultural information and there was a positive and significant correlation (r=0.794) between the space allotted to agricultural information and the number of agricultural information reported. The majority (86.6%) of the agricultural information were reported on other pages of Newspapers. The study recommended that agricultural information should be reported at prominent pages and Ministries and Agencies should advertise their products and services in the newspapers.
{"title":"Prominence of Agricultural Information in Print Media: A Content Analysis of Selected Nigerian Newspapers","authors":"Precious Obinna Arigbo, T. F. Adeogun, E. Agwu","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.8","url":null,"abstract":"This study adopted a content analysis to describe the prominence given to agricultural information in print media using four selected Newspapers. Specifically, the study determined the space allotted; the number; and prominence given to agricultural information in Nigerian newspapers. Stratified and purposive sampling procedures were used to select a sample of 384 editions of newspapers for analysis. Data were collected from hard copies of the selected Newspapers and were analysed using percentages, Kruskal Wallis (H) test and Pearson Product Moment correlation. Findings revealed that a total of 102,317.57cm2 space was allotted to agricultural information out of which 41% was used by the Guardian Newspaper. Only 398 pieces of agricultural information were reported out of a total of 29,666 pieces of information reported. There were significant differences across the newspapers in the number and space allotted to agricultural information and there was a positive and significant correlation (r=0.794) between the space allotted to agricultural information and the number of agricultural information reported. The majority (86.6%) of the agricultural information were reported on other pages of Newspapers. The study recommended that agricultural information should be reported at prominent pages and Ministries and Agencies should advertise their products and services in the newspapers.","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42034801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Yakubu, Nasiru Musa, Anas Ahmed Ali, Muhammad Lawal Maidoki
This study assessed the socioeconomic determinants of the use of social media among agriculture undergraduates in North-west Nigeria. Three States were purposively selected out of 7, and 250 students were randomly selected from the States. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire. Percentages, means and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results of the data analysis reveal that 76.4% of the students’ had a monthly income of ₦10,000-₦30,000; 55.2% spent 10-29 hours per week using the social media. Facebook (x̄=3.18) and WhatsApp (x̄=3.02) had the highest number of users. Age, marital status and monthly income were statistically significant (P≤0.05); while years of formal education and the access to internet were both significant. Age, marital status and years of formal education were the major determinants of social media usage among agricultural undergraduates. The Nigerian communication commission should enforce a downward review of data bundles and also push for a larger access to free Wi-Fi services.
{"title":"Socioeconomic Determinants of the Use of Social Media among Agricultural Undergraduates in North-West Nigeria","authors":"D. Yakubu, Nasiru Musa, Anas Ahmed Ali, Muhammad Lawal Maidoki","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.10","url":null,"abstract":"This study assessed the socioeconomic determinants of the use of social media among agriculture undergraduates in North-west Nigeria. Three States were purposively selected out of 7, and 250 students were randomly selected from the States. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire. Percentages, means and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results of the data analysis reveal that 76.4% of the students’ had a monthly income of ₦10,000-₦30,000; 55.2% spent 10-29 hours per week using the social media. Facebook (x̄=3.18) and WhatsApp (x̄=3.02) had the highest number of users. Age, marital status and monthly income were statistically significant (P≤0.05); while years of formal education and the access to internet were both significant. Age, marital status and years of formal education were the major determinants of social media usage among agricultural undergraduates. The Nigerian communication commission should enforce a downward review of data bundles and also push for a larger access to free Wi-Fi services.","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43856685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. O. Anyoha, Cornelia Udemba, A. Ogbonnaya, Emmanuel Okoroma
The study examined the causes of cassava post-harvest losses among farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 120 rural farmers using multistage, random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analysed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings from the study reveal that farmers frequently used mobile phone calls/SMS as their sources of information on cassava postharvest losses (x̄ =3.01) followed by the use of radio( x̄=2.5) The findings also revealed that farmers experienced different forms of post-harvest cassava losses at one point or the other. Physical loss was experienced by 95.64% of the respondent, economic loss (93.8%) and monetary loss (97.7%).The causes of cassava post-harvest losses included lack of finance ( x̄=3.56) poor storage (x̄ =3.46) pest and disease infection (x̄ =3.46) inappropriate harvesting time (x̄ =3.40) among others. Most of the causes of cassava post-harvest losses identified in the study area are serious. Cassava farmers should be granted credit facilities and been courage to form cooperatives to help raise the funds and get facilities needed to reduce post-harvest losses.
{"title":"Causes Of Cassava Post-Harvest Losses Among Farmers In Imo State, Nigeria","authors":"N. O. Anyoha, Cornelia Udemba, A. Ogbonnaya, Emmanuel Okoroma","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.7","url":null,"abstract":"The study examined the causes of cassava post-harvest losses among farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 120 rural farmers using multistage, random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analysed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings from the study reveal that farmers frequently used mobile phone calls/SMS as their sources of information on cassava postharvest losses (x̄ =3.01) followed by the use of radio( x̄=2.5) The findings also revealed that farmers experienced different forms of post-harvest cassava losses at one point or the other. Physical loss was experienced by 95.64% of the respondent, economic loss (93.8%) and monetary loss (97.7%).The causes of cassava post-harvest losses included lack of finance ( x̄=3.56) poor storage (x̄ =3.46) pest and disease infection (x̄ =3.46) inappropriate harvesting time (x̄ =3.40) among others. Most of the causes of cassava post-harvest losses identified in the study area are serious. Cassava farmers should be granted credit facilities and been courage to form cooperatives to help raise the funds and get facilities needed to reduce post-harvest losses. ","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45578755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Akinwale, F. Wole-Alo, Babatunde Oladapo Oluwole
The study assessed digital platforms used to link agriculture investors with smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Content analysis and in-depth interviews were used for the study. Three digital platforms, namely the ThriveAgric, EZ Farming and Farmcrowdy were purposively chosen for this study. Results showed that ThriveAgric is user friendly; EZ Farming and Farmcrowdy provide risk assessment scores for easy monitoring. Also, ThriveAgric uses the Agricultural Operating System (AOS) to track farmers’ activities. EZ Farming uses social media platforms for adverts and campaign while Farmcrowdy innovatively used the platform to render advisory services to the farmers. ThriveAgric and Farmcrowdy invested in crop and livestock production while EZ Farming areas of investments were crop, livestock, fisheries, farm equipment and hydroponics. Smallholder farmers’ derived benefits were mainly observed in the aspect of reduction in post-harvest losses. Untimely delivery of agricultural inputs and cost of running the platforms were identified as major impediments to the effective deployment of the platform by the farmers and operators of the platforms respectively. Cost sharing mechanism should be incorporated into the partnership to ensure sustainability and a winwin situation. Also, regular review of the initiative by all the stakeholders is strongly recommended.
{"title":"Digital Platforms for Linking Agriculture Investors with Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria","authors":"J. Akinwale, F. Wole-Alo, Babatunde Oladapo Oluwole","doi":"10.4314/jae.v27i2.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.6","url":null,"abstract":"The study assessed digital platforms used to link agriculture investors with smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Content analysis and in-depth interviews were used for the study. Three digital platforms, namely the ThriveAgric, EZ Farming and Farmcrowdy were purposively chosen for this study. Results showed that ThriveAgric is user friendly; EZ Farming and Farmcrowdy provide risk assessment scores for easy monitoring. Also, ThriveAgric uses the Agricultural Operating System (AOS) to track farmers’ activities. EZ Farming uses social media platforms for adverts and campaign while Farmcrowdy innovatively used the platform to render advisory services to the farmers. ThriveAgric and Farmcrowdy invested in crop and livestock production while EZ Farming areas of investments were crop, livestock, fisheries, farm equipment and hydroponics. Smallholder farmers’ derived benefits were mainly observed in the aspect of reduction in post-harvest losses. Untimely delivery of agricultural inputs and cost of running the platforms were identified as major impediments to the effective deployment of the platform by the farmers and operators of the platforms respectively. Cost sharing mechanism should be incorporated into the partnership to ensure sustainability and a winwin situation. Also, regular review of the initiative by all the stakeholders is strongly recommended. ","PeriodicalId":43669,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Extension","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44999072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}