An Appraisal of Techno-Dynamics Structure of On-Farm Textile Innovation Development in Ondo State, Nigeria (Published)
The study aimed at appraising techno-dynamics structure of on-farm textile innovations development in Ondo State of Nigeria. It assessed cultural-systematic factor and, analysed socio- economic characteristics of the techno- dynamics structure influencing development of the innovation. Public Agricultural Development Programme’s agency in the State was selected, and snowball sampling procedure was used in selecting four Agricultural Research Institutes for the study. Purposive sampling procedure was employed in selecting a total of 78 research and 90 extension staff. Key informant interviews schedule, questionnaire, and Focus Group Discussions were used to generate information. Descriptive statistics was applied in summarizing data collected and correlation analysis for determining relationship between development and techno-dynamics structure. Finding from social survey highlighted low level of development for on-farm textile innovation. Technical knowledge given to farmers was not adequate enough to support development and, the innovations suffered customary lag. On-farm textile development lacked appropriate innovation emergence and dissemination approach. At p<0.01 and p < 0.05 the following techno-dynamics variables showed significant relationship with development viz: accessible innovation transfer system(r = -0.597**), staff training needs(r = 0.391*), marketing mechanism(r = 0.475*), and funding system (r = 0.371*). It is therefore suggested that, government should consent to statutory policies and principles of innovation emergence and transfer. Policy makers and administrators should monitor and strengthen interaction between all related institutes for the introduced innovation. Adequate funding should also be provided for research and extension activities on on-farm textile development.
Keywords: Development, Innovation, Textile, on-farm, techno-dynamics
AGRICULTURAL COMMERCIALISATION, CONTRACT FARMING AND TOBACCO: A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF TOBACCO CULTIVATION ON EMPLOYMENT TRENDS IN RURAL SIRISIA, BUNGOMA WEST DISTRICT, KENYA, 1975-2005 (Published)
Commercial production of tobacco in Kenya has been going on for about a century and since its introduction, its production and use have been issues of great controversy.Tobacco production in Kenya has created a class of growers that have long been ignored by historians. A growing number of scholarly works available on the theme have basically been of scientific and agronomical nature. In a wider context, a lot of literature on social relations on the recent agrarian intensification in Africa does exist, though lack of systematic studies on the relationship between tobacco production and socio-economic impact as well as employment on tobacco farms still remains a yawning gap in the historiography of Kenya. This paper is a focus on a historical examination of tobacco growing peasantry and its impact on employment trends in Sirisia, Bungoma West District of Kenya following concerted efforts by the British American Tobacco Kenya Limited (BAT) to commercialise agricultural production. The study used observation method and interviews in data collection. Archival and documentary sources were also used for secondary data. This study serves a purpose of informing key stakeholders in the government and non-government sectors about the relevant policies to improve rural livelihood in Sirisia and other tobacco producing areas. The study demonstrates the view that the peasant sector occupies a central role in African economic development.
Keywords: Commercial, Development, Employment Trends, Peasantry, Socio-Economic, Tobacco Cultivation, history