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
Psychiatry of Rural Community Attributes on the Success of Extension Services Delivery in on-Farm Textile Innovations, Ondo State of Nigeria (Published)
The study aimed at establishing rural community attributes influence on the success of extension services delivery in on-farm textile innovation in Ondo State of Nigeria. Mainly, it examined the community socio-cultural characteristics, and analysed eco-institutional variables influencing the success of extension delivery. Purposive sampling procedure was used in selecting 50 percent of the Local Government Areas (blocks) from each of the two zones and, 25 percent of group of villages from each visited blocks in the State. A simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting ten percent of members in each of the on-farm textile stratum within each group of villages and 612 respondents were selected for the study. Structured and pre-tested validated interview schedule and questionnaire were used in collecting information from the respondents. The data were interpreted using descriptive analysis and correlation analysis in viewing relationship between success and community attributes. The study highlighted the level of success in extension services delivery of on-farm textile innovation as low. The ecological climate of the studied community favoured packages of the introduced innovations but, there was no accessible market for its produces. At p<0.01 and p < 0.05 the following community variables showed significant relationship with success viz: spatial system(r = -0.393**), prevailing age group(r = -0.557**), and tradition(r = -0.403*). It is suggested that, the proscribed marketing board for on- farm textile produces be resuscitated and annex of the market mechanism be stationed very close to the studied area.
Keywords: Innovation, Rural, Success, Textile, delivery, on-farm
Does Gender Makes Any Difference In Livelihoods Diversification? Evidence from Northern Ghana (Published)
The fact that rural livelihood portfolios is expanding and diversifying beyond agriculture is not contested. However, very little is known on gender dimension of rural livelihoods diversification and whether gender makes any difference in rural dwellers construction of livelihood portfolios. This paper therefore presents findings of analysis of data obtained from USAID sponsored Feed The Future population baseline survey conducted in 2012 in their Northern Ghana Zone of Influence, with the view of examining gender dimension of livelihoods diversification among the 13,580 respondents who were 15 years or older. Results of the analysis revealed significant gender differentiation in number of livelihood activities engaged in by men and women. The results established that livelihoods diversification is common across gender in Northern Ghana, but men are more likely to engage in more livelihood activities than women. Significantly more men than women were found to have been engaged in paid wage labour within the last 12 months, with women dominating the non-farm self-employed livelihood enterprises. This paper therefore recommends that, measures aim at women economic empowerment, should target providing training and financial support to enable women improve their non-farm livelihood enterprises
Keywords: Diversification, Gender, Livelihoods, Non-farm, on-farm
DOES GENDER MAKES ANY DIFFERENCE IN LIVELIHOODS DIVERSIFICATION? EVIDENCE FROM NORTHERN GHANA (Published)
The fact that rural livelihood portfolios is expanding and diversifying beyond agriculture is not contested. However, very little is known on gender dimension of rural livelihoods diversification and whether gender makes any difference in rural dwellers construction of livelihood portfolios. This paper therefore presents findings of analysis of data obtained from USAID sponsored Feed The Future population baseline survey conducted in 2012 in their Northern Ghana Zone of Influence, with the view of examining gender dimension of livelihoods diversification among the 13,580 respondents who were 15 years or older. Results of the analysis revealed significant gender differentiation in number of livelihood activities engaged in by men and women. The results established that livelihoods diversification is common across gender in Northern Ghana, but men are more likely to engage in more livelihood activities than women. Significantly more men than women were found to have been engaged in paid wage labour within the last 12 months, with women dominating the non-farm self-employed livelihood enterprises. This paper therefore recommends that, measures aim at women economic empowerment, should target providing training and financial support to enable women improve their non-farm livelihood enterprises.
Keywords: Diversification, Livelihoods, non-farm and gender, on-farm