Journal of Agripreneurship and Sustainable Development

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF COCOA PRODUCTION CERTIFICATION STATUS AMONG FARMERS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Akinrinmola, F. K. — 2026-03-14

The study was conducted to analyse the economics of cocoa production certification status in Ogun State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from 240 cocoa farmers (120 certified and 120 non-certified) selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and a 5-point Likert scale were employed for the study. Results revealed that cocoa farming in the study area is dominated by middle-aged men, with certified farmers achieving higher education levels, better access to extension services, and greater productivity (643.5 kg vs. 496.02 kg) despite non-certified farmers having larger farm sizes and higher average incomes. Cost and return analysis showed that certified farmers incurred lower variable costs (₦758,532.63 vs. ₦932,910.90) and recorded higher profitability, with a gross margin ratio of 0.91 compared to 0.85 for non-certified farmers. Major constraints faced by certified farmers included scarcity of labour, pest and disease incidence, and the strenuous certification process, while non-certified farmers identified high certification costs, complex procedures, and herdsmen attacks as their most severe challenges. The study concludes that certification improves productivity, efficiency, and access to institutional support, though income gains remain mixed. It recommends strengthening extension services, improving credit access, subsidizing certification costs, and promoting farmer cooperatives to enhance sustainable cocoa production in the state.

ANALYSIS OF SUBSIDY UTILIZATION AND PRODUCTIVITY AMONG MAIZE FARMERS IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Akindapo, P. A. — 2026-03-14

The study analyses subsidy utilization and Productivity among maize farmers in Ekiti State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select active 160 maize farmers using copies of well-structured questionnaires. Parametric tools such as Descriptive Statistics (DS) and Total Factor Productivity (TFP) model were used to analysis. The socioeconomic results reported that beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of subsidy had 75 years and 72.5years of average age; 75% and 72.5% males; 7years and 6years of years of farming experience and 62.5% and 50% of extension services among others respectively. TFP results comparatively revealed the summary for the beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups; mean (1.89 and 0.99), standard deviation (1.96 and 0.59), and the minimum value (0.39 and 0.22) respectively. The quantile results for the beneficiary and beneficiary categories revealed that Q₁(25%=0.99 and 0.58), Q₂(50%=1.52 and 0.91) and Q₃(75%=2.30 and 1.35) and the maximum of 17.09 and 3.56 respectively; revealing that the beneficiaries of subsidy among the maize farmers performed better productively than their non-beneficiary counterparts. The TFP result for the efficiency range indicated that in the high category of performance evaluation, the beneficiaries of subsidy among the maize farmers performed better. It was concluded that subsidy aids the performances of the maize farmers through price reduction that enhanced efficient resource allocation, and in turn, better performance. It was recommended that stakeholders in agriculture should make a vigorous effort towards creating subsidy awareness and make it accessible to all the maize farmers in the study area.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF YAM PRODUCTION IN SHIRORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE

Diye, M. — 2026-03-14

The study was designed to examine the economic analysis of yam production in Shiroro local government area of Niger state. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select total of ninety (90) farmers. Data were collected using well structure questionnaire and analyzed using both the descriptive and inferential statistic. The result shows that quantity of fertilizer increased by 1% and holding other variables constant output will increase by 3765.0. The result shows that resources were efficiently utilized because it has shown that labour was over utilized since the value is less than 1, fertilizer (3.92), farm size (305.85), capital (103.8) and other inputs (40.95) respectively, were underutilized since allocative efficiency ratio is greater 1. Therefore, the farmer should allocate resource efficiency so as to increase the output of yam. The result has also shown that yam production is encouraging in the study area but the matter concerned here is that farmers underutilized their capital resources and this might due to extension gap in the study area. However, labour was over utilized possibly due to absence of alternative to channel the excess labour. Thus, the study calls on the need for adequate extension services delivery in order to address poor utilization of resources in yam production.

EFFECT OF PRIVATIZATION OF POWER INDUSTRY ON NIGERIAN ECONOMY: A CASE OF KADUNA DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

Abel, J. K. — 2026-03-14

The study analysed the effect of privatization of the power industry on Nigeria’s Economy. A case of Kaduna Distribution. A simple random technique was applied to select a sample size of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. Data were collected using questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was applied for data analysis. The result show that 9% of the respondents had Ph.D. /M.Sc., 43% of the respondents had B.Sc./HND and 27% of the respondents had SSCE. However, 69% of the respondents agreed with the quality of power supply after privatization. The result also shows that 48% of the respondents disagree that after privatization they hardly get supply in a day that is over twelve (12) hours in a day. Furthermore, 50% of the respondents disagreed that they frequently enjoy power supply of over two (2) weeks after privatization. The also reveals that 46% of the respondents agree that the Disco supplies efficient power supply. The result shows that 45% of the respondents agreed that Kaduna Electric is better than power holding company. The result of the study revealed that privatization of Kaduna Disco has led to improved quality of power supply, but it has neither positively affected the ease of payment nor resulted in friendly customer services. However, it appears that privatization of Nigeria’s power sector may not be an end in its self. It is probably a means to reaching a desired end. Therefore, efficiency in power supply, ease of payment and customer friendly services lies at the heart of good governance, transparency and accountability, and overall national interest.

DETERMINANTS OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN YEWA DIVISION OF OGUN-STATE, NIGERIA

Jimoh, B. O. — 2026-03-14

The study examined the determinants of financial Inclusion of agricultural cooperative societies in Yewa Division of Ogun-State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was utilized to select one hundred and fifty (150) cooperative societies for the study. The result shows that majority (70.67%) of the respondents, did not access credit from either formal or informal financial institutions during the period under review. The result reveals that formal institutions the participants patronized to include Microfinance Banks (8.67%), Government schemes and programmes (7.33%), Commercial banks (2.67%) and Bank of Agriculture (BOA) (1.33%). The informal institutions patronized were Thrift/Credit cooperatives (4%), money lenders (3.33%) and self-financing (2%). The average amount collected was N705,620.45 and N21,765.70 for formal and informal institutions respectively. The binary regression model reveals that, distance to credit source, government interference, repayment period, collateral, financial literacy, transaction cost, hidden charges, savings, year of existence, shareholdings and account officer accounted for 67% variation in cooperative society’s access to formal credit in the study area. The constraint faced by includes sociological accounted for 15.41% of the variance of the factors militating the performance realization of cooperative societies, the second factor (economical), accounted for 15.3% of the variances, the third factor (organizational/institutional), accounted for 14.72% of the variance militating the optimum performance of agricultural cooperative societies in the study area. The three factors explained 45.43% of the variances militating against farmers’ cooperative performance. Accessibility to credit from financial institutions (formal and informal) showed that the respondents were financially excluded from all the financial markets as the majority never had access to either of the financial institutions. The study therefore recommends that there is need to encourage and enlighten the members on good governance, members’ commitment/participation (financially and advices) and government support to achieve their objectives.

ANALYSIS OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY RATE AMONG RICE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Ahmad, M. E. — 2026-03-14

The study was carried out on analysis of multidimensional poverty of rice farming households in Gombe state, Nigeria. Multistage sampling was employed in selecting 355 rice farmers. The primary data so obtained covered information demographic profiles and multidimensional parameters. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and Likert scale. Results showed that rice farming was dominated by literate men in their youthful ages whose participation is cooperative membership is low and exhibit poor access to credit facilities. The respondents were basically rice farmers. The multidimensional poverty index of the rice farmers was 0.1 due to the fact that the depth of poverty was only 18% and the percentage of multidimensionally poor rice farming households was 47.89%. Amongst the factors that contributed to multidimensional poverty, the highest contributors to deprivation were cooking fuel which was 77.47%, asset ownership was 58.31%, housing was 53.31% and school attendance was 52.96%. The constraints to rice production ranked using a five-point Likert scale revealed that; 83.95% strongly agreed to insufficient funds, 69.01% agreed with increased costs, 60.56% agreed with poor infrastructure, 47.89% agreed with climate change, 29.86% strongly agreed with inadequate government funding. The study recommended that the respondents key into relevant government programmes that are aimed at boosting rice production.

ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN RICE PRODUCTION IN SHANDAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Usman, A. — 2026-03-14

The study analysed the economic effects of climate change on rice production in Shendam LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria. Multi-Stage sampling techniques was applied to select 150 rice farmers with 8 years of consistence rice production for the study. Historic climatic data (rainfall and temperature) for the period extending from 2020 to 2024 were collected from Nigerian Meteorological Agency, also rice production data obtained from the respondents. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result further reveals that, temperature values show moderate fluctuations, with a noticeable decline around 2021–2022, followed by a slight increase in 2023 and mixed conditions in 2024. The result shows a fluctuating rainfall pattern with a noticeable dip in 2022, followed by a steady increase from 2023 to 2024 across all three indicators (minimum, average, and maximum rainfall). The regression results show a strong explanatory power, with an R² value of 0.851, indicating that 85.1% of the variation in rice yield was explained by the independent variables included in the model. The results indicate considerable inter-annual variation in yield losses. Market prices of rice show a consistent upward trend over the study period, increasing from ₦350 in 2020 to ₦700 in 2024. The study concluded that climate variability poses significant risks to rice production in Shendam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State through erratic rainfall, increased frequency of dry spells, and occasional flooding. The study recommends the need for climate-smart agricultural strategies, including improved water management, adoption of heat-tolerant rice varieties, and increased investment in farm inputs. Such measures are essential for sustaining rice production under changing climatic conditions.

MARKET STRUCTURE OF PADDY RICE IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Ahmad, M. E. — 2026-03-14

The Study analyzed the structure of paddy rice marketing in Kano state Nigeria. A sample of 120 paddy rice marketers comprising retailers, wholesalers and wholesaler-retailers was purposively drawn from four markets within three local government areas of Kano state where paddy rice was predominantly marketed. Structured questionnaires were administered to the paddy rice marketers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Gini coefficient. Paddy rice marketing was a male dominated business in the study area with majority of the marketers being literate and within the ages of 20-50 years. There was very high inequality among the marketers as the Gini coefficient was 0.8767, 0.8503 and 0.8691 for the retailers, wholesalers and wholesaler-retailers. Insufficient funds for paddy rice marketing was ranked first as the major constraints by both the retailers and wholesalers, while seasonal supply was the first major constraints for the wholesalers. It was recommended among others, that the paddy marketers should access formal loans through their cooperative associations to mitigate the problems of insufficient funds they were confronted with.

ASSESSMENT OF SUBSIDY EFFECT ON MAIZE PRODUCTION AMONG SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Akindapo, P. A. — 2026-03-14

The study assessed the effect of subsidy on maize production among small scale maize farmers in Ekiti State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 160 maize farmers. Data were collected during 2025 planting season. Descriptive statistics (D/S), Multivariate Multiple Regression (MMR) Model and Likert Scale Rating (LSR) were used for Data analysis. The socioeconomic result suggests that subsidy beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers were 34years and 36years by age, 75% and 72.5% by sex, 65% and 67.5% by married category, and 7years and 6years and 6years respectively. Based on the available result, farmers enjoyed subsidy in the area of improved seed (52kg), fertilizer (125kg) and herbicide (16 litres). Total Factor Productivity (TFP) was positively influenced by experience (0.083; p<0.05), farm size (0.183; p<0.01), seedlings(0.320; p<0.05), herbicide(0.270; p<0.03) and fertilizer (0.550; p<0.01) while farm income is positively determined by farm size (0.165; p<0.05), seedling s(0.210; p<0.01), herbicide (0.185; p<0.01) and credit (0.104; p<0.05) among others. Delayed or irregular subsidy distribution was identified as the major constraints challenging maize production in the study area. It was concluded that beneficiaries of subsidies demonstrated higher efficiency, better resource utilization, and improved earnings compared to their non-beneficiary counterparts. It is recommended among others that subsidy distribution should be strengthened and streamlined, and extension services should be provided all year round.

CONSTRAINTS AFFECTING ARTISANAL COOPERATIVE OF FISHERWOMEN IN ONDO STATE NIGERIA

Shittu, K. A. — 2026-03-14

The study examined the constraints affecting artisanal cooperative of fisherwomen in Ondo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select three local government areas (Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-odo) with a sample size of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. Data were collected using structured interview schedules and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings indicated that the majority 90.1% of respondents were actively involved in fishing production belonging to the middle age category, married 83.3%, educated 95.8%, and possessed substantial expertise in their fishing operations. Artisanal fisherwomen faced numerous challenges such as low income, high cost of equipment, inadequate fund and others. It was also observed that a majority 72.5% of fisherwomen utilized traditional dug-out canoes for fishing in rivers, where many of them enlisted men to capture fish on their behalf and remunerated them for their services. The study recommended that artisanal cooperative fisherwomen should receive governmental assistance through the provision of easily accessible credit facilities. Fisher-women should be encouraged to pool their financial resources together to mitigate the challenges arising from financial scarcity by establishing cooperative associations. The establishment of adequate infrastructure such as reliable power supply, and proper preservation equipment by government at all levels and also empowered artisanal fisher women in aiding poverty alleviation.

INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF VARIETY AND POTASSIUM NUTRITION ON GROWTH, YIELD, AND FRUIT QUALITY OF TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Rufa’i, S. — 2026-03-14

The study evaluated the effect of variety and potassium fertilizer rates on the growth, yield, and quality attributes of tomato during the 2017 and 2018 wet seasons under field conditions. The experiment was arranged in a 3 x 4 factorial randomized complete block design involving three tomato varieties (Rio Grande, Roma VF, and Tima) and four potassium fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg K ha⁻¹). Data were collected on vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality parameters and using standard agronomic protocols. Results revealed significant varietal variation in plant height, number of leaves, and yield traits, with Roma VF and Tima generally outperforming Rio Grande. Potassium fertilization positively influenced growth and yield, with the highest values recorded at 100-150 kg K ha⁻¹. Quality parameters such as ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids (TSS) improved with increasing K rates, and a significant interaction between variety and potassium rate was observed for TSS in 2018, where ‘Roma VF’ recorded the highest value (3.03%) at 150 kg K ha⁻¹. Fruit phenolic and flavonoid contents were also enhanced at higher potassium rates. Overall, ‘Roma VF’ combined with 100-150 kg K ha⁻¹ produced superior growth, yield, and quality outcomes, underscoring the importance of genotype-specific potassium management for sustainable tomato production.

INSECT PEST DYNAMICS, YIELD PERFORMANCE AND FIBER QUALITY OF BT AND NON- BT COTTON VARIETIES IN ZARIA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Musa, N. — 2026-03-14

Field experiments were conducted during the 2024 wet season at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru, Zaria, to evaluate insect pest dynamics, yield performance and fiber quality of Bt and non Bt cotton varieties. Eight cotton varieties comprising six non-Bt (SAMCOT 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13) and two Bt varieties (BG-I and BG-II) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. No insecticide was applied to allow natural pest infestation. Population densities of major sucking pests (whitefly, jassid and thrips), bollworms, boll damage, seed-cotton yield and fiber quality parameters were assessed. Results revealed significant varietal differences in pest infestation and yield attributes. Bt cotton varieties recorded significantly (p≤0.05) lower populations of American and pink bollworms, reduced boll damage and higher number of bolls per plant compared with non-Bt varieties. However, sucking pests were prevalent across both Bt and non-Bt varieties, with some SAMCOT lines showing higher susceptibility. Bt varieties, particularly BG-I, produced higher lint yield, lower percentage lint damage and superior overall performance. Ginning percentage and seed weight did not differ significantly among varieties. The study demonstrates that while Bt cotton effectively suppresses bollworms and enhances yield and lint quality, sucking pests remain an important constraint requiring an integrated pest management strategy.

PEDOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS ON AN AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE FORMED ON BASEMENT COMPLEX TERRAIN IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Nwaloka, C. D. — 2026-03-14

Morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of soils of Pkaidina, Legbe, and Pyinko were studied with the view of classifying them taxonomically and providing useful information that could aid in better management. Three profile pits were dug within the study area and described according to the Schoeneberger guideline for soil description. The soils had deep profiles (>100cm) with generally sandy loam texture and imperfect drainage. Physical properties of the soils indicate sand fraction to be dominant, ranging from 620 to 840g kg^-1, with a relatively moderate bulk density and high porosity. The soils had a favourable pH (H₂0) ranging from 5.08 to 6.75, high base status ranging from 67.89 to 87.06%, but low to medium fertility status, with mixed mineralogy of Quartz, Orthoclase, Muscovite, Albite, and Anorthite. The soils were classified as Coarse-loamy, Mixed, Semi-active, strongly acid Oxyaquic Haplustalfs (Haplic Luvisols (Loamic)) for pedon PKA; Sandy over Coarse-loamy, Mixed, Active, Slightly acid Arenic Haplustalfs (Haplic Luvisols (Loamic)) for pedon LGB; and Coarse-loamy, Mixed, Active, Moderately acid Typic Epiaquepts (Eutric Gleyic Cambisols (Loamic, Colluvic)) for pedon PYK.

IN POST SUBSIDY ECONOMY IN WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Olayiwola, M. O. — 2026-03-14

The study analysed the determinants of food security status among smallholder farmers in the post-subsidy economy of Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to collect primary data from 114 household heads using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, food security index, Likert scale, and binary logit model. Results showed that 84% of respondents were male with a mean age of 43 years and an average household size of six. About 98.2% had formal education and an average farming experience of eight years, while 78.9% were married and 68.4% engaged primarily in crop farming. Furthermore, 80.7% lacked access to credit, 61.4% did not belong to any farmers’ association, and only 43% were food secure. Factors such as age and gender were significant at 1%, while marital status and cooperative membership were significant at 10%. Major constraints identified included allowing children to eat first, rationing, and borrowing money. The study concluded that smallholder farmers in the area remain largely food insecure and recommended that government food security policies consider household socio-economic characteristics to reduce food insecurity effectively.

PERFORMANCE OF EXTRA EARLY MAIZE (Zea mays L.) INFLUENCED BY WEED CONTROL METHODS AND PLANTING PATTERN

Balarabe, A. — 2026-03-14

A field trial was conducted during the 2014 rainy season at the research farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru (11º 11’ N; 07° 38’ E) 686m above sea level in the Northern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria to study the effects of weed control and planting pattern on productivity of extra early maize. The trial consisted of factorial combination of five weed control treatments which include application of atrazine at 1.0 and 1.5 kg a.i/ha, one hoe weeding at 3 weeks after sowing, two hoe weeding at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing and a weedy check with two planting patterns Single and double rows. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Application of Atrazine at 1.5kg a.i/ha produced the least weed cover and weed dry weight. Double row planting also recorded lower weed cover and weed dry weight. Application of Atrazine at 1.5kg a.i/ha and two hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS produced the most vigorous and taller plants. Double row planting also produced the most vigorous plants. Application of atrazine at 1.5 kg a.i/ha produced plants with more leaves and also increased days to 50% tasseling while all other weed control treatments with the exception of the weedy check increased days to 50% silking. Application of atrazine at 1.5 kg a.i/ha and the two hoe weedings significantly produced longer, wider and heavier cobs. Single row planting also produced longer wider and heavier cobs. The highest grain yield was obtained in plots treated with atrazine at 1.5 kg a.i/ha while double row planting recorded the highest grain yield. Based on the result of this study it can be concluded that application of Atrazine at 1.5kg a.i/ha with double row planting reduced weed infestation and increased grain yield of extra early maize.

INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS ON MONTHLY FOOD EXPENDITURE PATTERN AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Mamman, B. D. — 2026-03-14

The study examined the influence of socio-economic factors on food expenditure patterns among households in Nasarawa State of Nigeria. In order to achieve this, 180 respondents were randomly selected from three Senatorial zones of Nasarawa State. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, and logistic regression model. The results of the descriptive statistics revealed heterogeneity in consumption and expenditure patterns across households. The result revealed that 87.8% are male and 85% of them are married and 15.0% are single. The minimum monthly income of household heads was N27,000.00 and the maximum was N500,000.00. The mean monthly income was N100,361.93 and the mean monthly expenditure was N43,785.00. The logistic results revealed that sex, age, and highest educational level, sources of income and number of wage earners have no statistical significant influence while cooperative membership had negative effect on expenditure at p<0.01. The results revealed that there is statistically significant influence of monthly income, household size and cooperative membership on total food expenditure among households at probability level of p<0.001, p<0.01 and p<0.01 respectively. The study identified challenges to food consumption to include high prices of food (97.2%), inadequate income (87.8%), poor food utilization/wastage (54.4%) and large household size (31.1%). It was concluded that most of the households spent more than their monthly income on food. It was recommended that people and traditional stakeholders in the State should intensify efforts in maintaining peace and tranquility, and develop spirit of tolerance among them in other to boost food crop production. This will reduce herders/farmers crises.