Socio-economic factors influencing utilization of manual screw press for gari production in Kwara state, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigated socio-economic determinants of utilization of manual screw press for cassava mash dehydration for gari production in four local government areas across the ADP zones in Kwara state, Nigeria. Using multistage sampling technique and a semi-structured questionnaire as instrument, data for the study were collected from a sample of three hundred and eighty four (384) gari processors who use the screw press in the state. Multiple regression analysis show that a correlation (R=0.678) exist between utilization of the screw press and the independent variables which include age, household size, level of education, years of processing experience, extension visits, and income from gari processing. R2 value of 0.460 indicates that about 46% of the variation in utilization was explained by socio-economic variables included in the regression model. Three variables significantly influenced the decision of the respondents to utilize the manual screw press: age, level of experience, and income; the most important predicator being income with a Beta value of 0.699. Conclusively, it was recommended among others that research, extension, and policy makers consider the significant determinants identified in the study seriously if increased utilization is to be achieved by gari processors and others similar to them in the study area and the region.
Keywords: Improved technology, Manual screw press, Socio-Economic Factors, Utilization
Determination of the Effect of Agro-Inputs Utilization on Yield and Income of Community-Based Natural Resource Management Rice Farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria (Published)
This study determined the effect of agro-inputs utilization on yield and income of community-based Natural Resource Management Programme (CBNRMP) Rice Farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: assess the socio-economic characteristics of rice farmers under CBNRMP, identify the agro-inputs made available to rice farmers through their service providers, etc. Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources for the purpose of this study. The results revealed that 70% of the respondents were males, 40% of the respondents were within the age range of 41-51years. Majority (90%) of the respondents were married, 85% of the respondents have formal education and majority of the respondents belong to farmers’ cooperatives. The t-test analysis of the effects of agro-inputs utilization on yield and income of CBNRMP rice farmers were significant. Increased government supports for mobilization of rice farmers for participation and sustained provision of agro-inputs were therefore recommended.
Keywords: Agro-Inputs, Income, Utilization, Yield