Journal of Agripreneurship and Sustainable Development

IMPACT OF FERTILIZER SUBSIDY AND TARIFF POLICIES ON RICE PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY IN NIGERIA FROM 1979-2022

2025-09-16T11:31:13+01:00

The study was conducted to determine the impact of fertilizer subsidy and tariff policies on rice production and productivity in Nigeria from 1979-2022. The analysis spans three policy eras: the Pre- Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (Pre-GESS) era (1979–2011), the GESS era (2012–2015) and the Post-GESS era (2016–2022). Secondary data used for the study were obtained from FAO, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the United Nation’s COMTRADE. Analytical tools used include descriptive statistics, graphical trend analysis, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, ANOVA and Tukey HSD Post-hoc test to evaluate the contributions of fertilizer distribution and rice tariffs to rice production and productivity. The result reveal significant fluctuations in fertilizer distribution, with the lowest distribution of 371.062 metric tons in 2009 and the highest of 1,850.31 metric tons in 2021. These variations were influenced by policy shifts and changes in subsidy systems. Rice productivity remained low, averaging 2.0–2.5 tons per hectare, far below the global average of 7.5 tons per hectare, due to inadequate fertilizer use. The OLS regression indicated that 96% of the variation in rice production was explained by the model, with the Post-GESS era contributing the most (mean = 9,321,404.16 tons), followed by the GESS era (mean = 6,015,180.00 tons) to rice production. Key predictors, such as rice area harvested and Post-GESS fertilizer distribution, were significant at 1%, while rice import tariffs and GESS fertilizer distribution were significant at 5%. In conclusion, while fertilizer distribution has a significant positive contribution to both rice production and productivity in GESS and Post-GESS periods, significant impact to productivity only took place in Post-GESS period. The study recommended that the government should play effective regulatory role while allowing the private sector handles procurement and distribution of fertilizer; properly regulate cross-border rice trade and deploy surveillance technologies to properly man the borders.

GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) AS AFFCETED BY VARYING RATES OF NPK FERTILIZER AND COWDUNG MANURE IN A SEMI ARID ECOLOGY

2025-09-16T11:26:01+01:00

A two-year field study (2019–2020) at Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, assessed integrated nutrient management (INM) effects on okra growth and yield using a 4 × 4 factorial randomized complete block design. Treatments included NPK fertilizer (0, 100, 200, 300 kg ha⁻¹) and cow dung manure (CDM) (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 t ha⁻¹). NPK, CDM, and their interaction significantly (P < 0.05) influenced growth and yield. In 2019, 300 kg ha⁻¹ NPK produced taller plants at 4 weeks after sowing (WAS), while 100–300 kg ha⁻¹ NPK enhanced height at 8 WAS. CDM (7.5 t ha⁻¹) consistently increased plant height in both years, with the tallest plants at 4 WAS in 2019 under 300 kg ha⁻¹ NPK + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ CDM. Similar trends were observed for leaf number and area. CDM (7.5 t ha⁻¹) significantly increased branches at 8 and 12 WAS in 2019 and 8 WAS in 2020. Stem girth was highest at 12 WAS in 2019, with 200 kg ha⁻¹ NPK + 7.5 t ha⁻¹ CDM. NPK delayed 50% flowering in 2019. The highest pod yield obtained with 200 kg ha⁻¹ NPK across both seasons, peaking when combined with 7.5 t ha⁻¹ CDM, confirming INM’s potential for sustainable okra production in semi-arid regions.

EFFECT OF RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION ON LABOUR SUPPLY AMONG MAIZE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN ITESIWAJU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

2025-09-16T11:19:51+01:00

The study investigates the effects of rural-urban migration on labour supply among maize farming households in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to select 120 maize farmers from ten communities within the study area. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model. The shows that the majority (74.2%) of farmers fall within the age range of 31-50 years, with an average age of 41 years and only 58.3% of the farmers are married. Furthermore, the average farming experience in the study area was 16 years. Findings highlighted that key migration drivers include desire to be civilized (87.50%), to secure job (80.00%), to find a partner (71.67%) and to change environment (71.67%). The OLS regression results revealed that migration significantly reduces labour supply for maize production, with an estimated 2% decline in farm labour supply for every 1% increase in household migration at p≤0.10. Other significant variables influencing labour supply in the study area were education status (p≤0.05), farming experience (p≤0.01), credit access (p≤0.01) and farm size (p≤0.01). The major constraints faced by the maize farmers were insecurity (90.83%), small farm holding (87.50%), inadequate labour supply (85.83%) and inadequate extension service (68.33%). The study underscores the urgent need for policies promoting rural economic development, mechanized farming, and youth engagement in agriculture to curb migration-driven labour shortages. It recommends targeted government interventions, including financial incentives for rural farmers, improved access to credit, and the provision of essential infrastructure. Addressing these challenges will enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to food security in Nigeria.

FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF NERICA-1 RICE AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA

2025-09-16T11:38:52+01:00

The research investigated the factors influencing adoption of Nerica-1 rice in the north-east, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 605 NERICA-1 rice farmers. The primary data and secondary information were used for this study. Frequencies, percentages, means, adoption index and Tobit regression model were used to analysed data. The result revealed that larger number (49%) of NERICA-1 rice farmers in north-east were within the age range of 21-30. The result showed that a majority (59%) of NERICA-1 rice farmers had ≤ 1.5 ha of land for rice cultivation. The result indicated that a majority (73%), (64%) and (56%) of NERICA-1 rice farmers adopted 70-100% of the production practices in in Adamawa, Bauchi and Taraba States respectively. The result established that marital status had positive coefficient (0.507) and significant influence on the adoption level of NERICA-1 rice at 1% probability level. It is concluded that NERICA-1 rice farmers in the north-east were smallholder, young and active. Educational level, marital status, membership of cooperative had significant influence on the level of adoption of NERICA-1 rice. It is recommended that Government at all levels (federal, state and local), NGOs, private and public extension workers should encourage farmers to have more involvement in the cooperative societies to assess more inputs and share information among them. This could be done through sensitisation of farmers on the benefits of participation in cooperative societies.

COPING STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY RURAL WOMEN AMIDST HIGH COST OF LIVING IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

2025-09-16T11:14:14+01:00

The study examines the coping strategies adopted by rural women in Adamawa State, Nigeria, A descriptive survey design was used, employing structured questionnaires to collect data from 504 respondents across 18 rural communities. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, and ranking to assess coping strategies and a constraint-ranking scale. Findings show that non-agricultural strategies such as petty trading (25.2%), casual labor (24.8%), and hairdressing (15.9%) were common. Formal credit access was low (5.3%), while many women modified their diet (37.6%) or skipped meals (9.3%). Agricultural strategies included rainy-season farming (76.1%), poultry (31.4%), and livestock farming (28.3%). Key constraints were lack of finance (76.6%), high farm input costs (75.7%), and transportation expenses (76.1%). Socio-cultural barriers and gender disparities also limited resilience. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated policy measures that expand access to formal financial services (microfinance and cooperatives), reduce transportation and input costs, and strengthen extension and information delivery systems. The study recommends prioritizing the expansion of affordable formal financial services such as microcredit and cooperative lending and invest in subsidized transport and input supply schemes.

PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF TELFAIRA OCCIDENTALIS VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN THREE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF ENUGU STATE

2025-09-16T11:33:50+01:00

The study analyzed the profitability of Telfaira occidentalis vegetable production in three local government areas in Enugu State namely Igbo Eze-North, Nsukka and Udenu LGAs. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for research. A total number of 96 respondents were interviewed. Results revealed the age range of 31 to 40 had the highest percentage with 37.5% suggesting that the farmers are still experienced and younger farmers, females 61.5% were major producers while majority of the respondents were married (47.9%), with those of 6 to 10 persons (38.5%) having the highest household sizes. Education-wise, a few percentages possess tertiary qualifications (12.5%), and just (21.9%) lack formal education, implying a relatively high level of basic education access. Approximately 30.2% have 1 to 5 years of farming experience. Profitability analysis revealed that the total revenue generated by the vegetable farmers was ₦247,680,000, net revenue was ₦82,848,000 and gross margin was ₦111,936,000. The Benefit Cost Ratio of ₦1.50k indicated that for everyone naira spent, ₦1.50k will be realized as revenue implying vegetable production was profitable. For the factors affecting vegetables production in the study area, most of the variables were all positive and significant with R² value of 0.756 implying that the model accounted for 75.6% of the variability in vegetable production. Major constraints encountered by vegetable farmers were destruction of farms by cattles, lack of available labor, lack of credit and fluctuation in prices and if all of these were taken care of, vegetable production will be profitable in the study area.

PRODUCTIVITY OF FINGER MILLET (Eleusine coracana L.) GAERTN AND GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) INTERCROP AS INFLUENCED BY RABBIT MANURE AND ROW ARRANGEMENT IN SUDAN SAVANNA ECOLOGY, NIGERIA

2025-09-16T11:28:39+01:00

The study investigated the effects of rabbit manure (RM) and row arrangement (RA) on the growth and yield of finger millet-groundnut intercrops at two locations in Kano State, Nigeria, during the 2019 rainy season. Field trials employed a split-plot design with six row arrangements (1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 2:2, 2:4 as main plot, and alternate stand) and four RM levels (0, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 t ha^-1) plus NPK fertilizer as sub plot. Soil analysis revealed sandy loam textures with low organic carbon and nitrogen at both sites, with Dawakin Kudu (DWK) exhibiting higher fertility than BUK. Results indicated that RM significantly influenced finger millet straw weight, 1000 seed weight, and grain yield, particularly at DWK, with higher RM rates and NPK enhancing these parameters. Groundnut canopy height, leaf area, and leaf area index were also significantly impacted by RM, with NPK and 2.5 t ha^-1 RM showing the most significant increases. Row arrangement did not significantly affect yields of either crop, though interactions between RM and RA significantly impacted groundnut canopy height and chlorophyll content at DWK. Intercropping indices, including Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), Area Time Equivalent Ratio (ATER), and Land Use Efficiency (LUE), were significantly influenced by RM, demonstrating intercropping’s yield advantage over sole cropping. LER values exceeded 1.0 in most treatments, with the highest LER (2.80 and 2.33) observed at 0.0 t ha⁻¹ at BUK and NPK at DWK. Aggressivity values revealed competitive interactions between finger millet and groundnut. This study underscores the potential of RM to enhance intercropping productivity, highlighting the importance of site-specific factors and nutrient management in optimizing intercropping systems.

ASSESSMENT OF CONSUMERS' PREFERENCES FOR BANANA (MUSA SPP.) RIPENING METHODS AND PERCEIVED HEALTH IMPLICATIONS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

2025-09-16T11:22:50+01:00

The study assessed consumer preferences for banana (Musa spp.) ripening methods and their perceived health implications in Imo State, Nigeria., The study investigated the determinants of consumer choices using a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from of 450 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique across three major banana markets. Descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression were employed to analyse the data. Results indicated that, 78% of respondents preferred naturally ripened bananas, while 22% opted for artificially ripened ones. Only 41% were aware of the potential health risks of artificial ripening, and 89% lacked access to reliable information on ripening methods. Regression results showed that education level (β = -0.312, p = 0.002), health risk awareness (β = -0.672, p < 0.001), and access to information (β = -0.598, p = 0.004) significantly reduced the likelihood of preferring artificial ripening. In contrast, gender (β = 0.534, p = 0.015) and income (β = 0.188, p = 0.003) increased this likelihood. The study highlights the need for targeted food safety education and stricter regulatory enforcement to protect consumers and promote healthier fruit consumption practices.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF GINGER PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES IN SOUTHERN KADUNA, KADUNA STATE NIGERIA

2025-09-16T11:17:02+01:00

The study examined the factors influencing the adoption of ginger production technologies in southern Kaduna, Kaduna State Nigeria. Multistage sampling technic was employed in selecting 215 respondents. Data was collected through the administration of questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result reveals that majority (76.6%, 71.1% and 70.2%) of the respondents were male, married and had attended tertiary levels of education with a mean age of 38 years, household size of 6 persons, 16 years of farming experience, 2.4ha of farm size and income of ₦784,839.45. The result further shows that most (91.7% and 90.8%) of the respondents each adopted combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers, harvesting and fertilizer application, weeding, respectively. The finding further shows that income (P<0.01) and marital status (P<0.05) of the respondents had significant influence on the adoption of ginger production technologies in the study area. The study it is concluded that marital status and income were the factors influencing the adoption of ginger production technologies in the study area. It is recommended that ginger producers should form and participate actively in cooperatives so as to increase their accessibility to information and production inputs.

ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES ON RURAL GOAT FARMING IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

2025-09-16T11:36:15+01:00

The study analysed climate change adaptation strategies on rural goat farming in Enugu State, Nigeria. According to the findings, the majority of the respondents (50%) were between the ages of 31 and 40 years, and were mostly married and had a household size of 6 to 10 people, (50%) had completed secondary school as their highest level of education, and (47.6%) had 7 to 9 years of experience mitigating the effects of climate change on goat production in the study area. The results also showed that the main sources of information on climate change in the study area were family and friends, radio, social media, television, and extension agents. As a coping mechanism, majority of the respondents reared highly resistant goat breeds on their goat farms. The findings also indicated that goat production and ownership, access to extension agents, and awareness of climate change were all positive and significant at 5% level. This suggests that if these factors are maintained or increased, there will be an increase in the mitigation strategies used to combat climate change as well as an increase in goat production in the study area. Extension agents' information on climate change was positive and significant at 1% level, and household`s size was positive at the 10% level as well. This suggests that as these variables are maintained, new ideas and innovations for climate change adaptation are adopted, making goat production in the study area sustainable.