ABSTRACT This study examined access to formal credit by farmers’ co-operatives in Enugu State. The specific objectives were to: (i) ascertain the institutional credit guidelines which affected access to formal credit by farmers’ co-operatives in Enugu State, (ii) describe the patterns of access to credit, (iii) ascertain the extent of access to formal credit by the respondents, (iv) ascertain the factors which determined access to formal credit, (v) examine the respondents’ perceptions ...
ABSTRACT Contract farming (CF) is increasingly gaining importance. However, there are some controversies on its impact on the livelihood in agrarian societies. It is alongside this argument that pressed on conducting the present study to ascertain the impact of contract farming to the livelihood of grapevine farmers in Dodoma Municipal, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at examining the main features of grapevine CF, identifying factors that influence small grape farmers' engagement in...
ABSTRACT Njombe region which was part of Iringa until 2012, has been receiving subsidized fertilizer since the National Agricultural Input Voucher Scheme (NAIVS) was introduced in 2008. This study aimed at assessing whether targeting subsidized fertilizer through its delivery system to reach maize smallholder farmers was achieved as intended under the NAIVS. More specifically the study was undertaken to determine the level of awareness among farmers regarding their eligibility to subsidized f...
ABSTRACT In recent times, rice production can be said to be receiving some attention in Ghana. This notwithstanding, there are still wide variations in rice yield across regions due to differences in production systems and technologies. This study analyses rice productivity heterogeneity among agro-ecological zones and draws policy implications for the adoption of farmer innovation systems (FISs) and improved agricultural technologies (IATs) to enhance yield in Ghana. The study used primary...
ABSTRACT This study was focused on farmers’ perception of the relevance of technologies generated by research institutes in south-western Nigeria in the area of agroforestry , land evaluation, improved varieties and machinery And equipment. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Two zones were purposively selected (Ogbomoso and Oyo) for they are the food basket of the state. The existing total numbers of farmer groups was obtained (120), out of this; ten...
ABSTRACT As part of the National agricultural modernization agenda, through the promotion of technology driven agriculture, efforts of research and development had over several decades now been concentrated on developing and disseminating improved technologies and best agricultural practices to farmers with little success. Maize, being the major cereal crop in the country, several projects have been implemented to develop the maize sub-sector. However, these efforts have not achieved the com...
ABSTRACT Limited access to credit is one of the fundamental problems faced by rice farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana. As such, it is the aim of government and other organizations such as the Food Security and Rice Producer Organization (FSRPOP) to increase rice farmers‟ access to credit. However, studies on the demand side of the credit market of rice farmers that would help formulate appropriate policies essential for increasing rice farmers‟ demand for credit are missing. The stud...
ABSTRACT African indigenous vegetable (AIV) farmers have limited information in the areas for training and readiness to access and produce vegetables to satisfy the growing demands by retailers in Kenya. The study assessed the readiness of women AIV farmers in Kakamega County to satisfy quality standards for high value markets (HVMs). Descriptive survey design, multistage sampling technique and interview schedule were used to collect data from 276 farmers. Observations and discussions with ke...
ABSTRACT Farmers field schools (FFSs) provide farmers with an opportunity to experiment new technologies which help them to make informed decisions that eventually lead to increased agricultural production and productivity. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) in terms of improving agricultural productivity in selected villages of Mvomero District, Morogoro region. Effectiveness was conceptualized as the performance of FFS graduates meeting the g...
ABSTRACT The growing population in developing countries has necessitated a shift in preference for indigenous food. Small ruminant meat being one of the preferred indigenous products has registered huge increase in demand over the last few years. Therefore, demand for sheep and goat meat is predicted to rise predominantly in Arid and Semi- Arid Lands (ASAL), thereby creating new meat markets as well as expansion of the existing small ruminant value chain. Isiolo- Nairobi small ruminant value...
ABSTRACT Cassava farmers in the district have a variety of information needs; however, these information requirements are unmet by the public extension agents who are mandated to deliver agricultural information to the farmers. The main objective of the study was therefore to determine the sources of agricultural information available and its influence on the farm practices and livelihood outcomes of the cassava farmers in the district. The survey research methodology was employed, and used m...
Majority of the rural households in Kenya depend mainly on agriculture as a source of food and livelihoods. Agricultural productivity has been declining due to many factors including climate change. Declining agricultural productivity has in turn resulted in increased food insecurity in the country. Consequently, there is a renewed interest in promoting drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, which are known to perform well in the arid and semi-arid lands of the developing world. Owing to its...
ABSTRACT Low productivity is one of the constraints identified by stakeholders as affecting the production of cassava in Ghana. The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) aimed at supporting farmers to increase productivity, providing inputs and extension services to a group of farmers during the first phase of the programme. The study assessed the perceived impact of the WAAPP on the livelihood systems of the beneficiary cassava farmers in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. De...
ABSTRACT As the debate on commercialization of Genetically Modified (GM)) crops continue to rage the perspectives of smallholder farmers in Africa regarding this novel technology is increasingly becoming relevant and imperative for both agricultural policy makers and researchers alike. This study assessed underlying constructs characterising smallholder farmers’ perceptions and adoption decision towards the cultivation of GM crops. The study was conducted in the three northern regions of Gh...
Abstract Maize, the most important cereal in Ghana, is consum ed in alm ost all parts of the country. To ensure food security in Ghana, adequate availability of m aize m ust be ensured. However, w hether or not farm ers should devote their resources to the production of more maize is a question to be addressed. Since food security has more to do with availability than with production or self-sufficiency in the product, it was necessary to investigate w hether it is better for farm ers to gro...