Background: A fundamental departure from subsistence to commercial agriculture is crucial for ensuring lasting household-level food security and poverty reduction. The absence of farm-level analysis of the market orientation decisions constitutes a bottleneck to commercialising smallholder rice farmers. Objectives: The study evaluated the determinants of smallholder rice farmers’ market orientation and the extent of market orientation among smallholder rice farming households. Methodology: The study adopted a survey design. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 288 smallholder rice farmers. Primary data was collected from the respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire. The market orientation index and Heckman's two-stage model were used to realise the objectives. Results: A moderate market orientation index of 0.52 was established among the small-scale rice farmers. In addition, the results of the determinants of market orientation showed that the socioeconomic and institutional drivers of market orientation were education, distance to an established market, size of the rice farm, agricultural extension service, and land fragmentation. The extent of market orientation was driven by education, labour, fertiliser access, distance to the asphalt road, size of the rice farm, and market information. Conclusion: Small-scale rice farmers in Southeast Nigeria are moderately market-oriented, and the educational status of the household head principally drives the decision to be market-oriented and the extent of orientation. Unique Contribution: The study identified the key factors that drive or inhibit smallholder rice farmers’ market orientation in Southeast Nigeria. This will help government agencies and policymakers to enact precise policies that will effectively drive smallholder commercialisation. Key Recommendation: Agricultural extension services should be strengthened to include market-oriented training and information dissemination to provide farmers with timely information on market dynamics and opportunities.

The study analyzed the socio-economic determinants of net-income in aquaculture of Kainji, Lake Basin, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the; fish farming systems; cost and returns, socio-economic determinants of net-farm income and challenges of fish farming in the area. The study adopted a two-stage sampling procedure to select 120 table-size fish farmers. Data were collected with questionnaires that were administered through face-to-face interview and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that 35.00 % of the fish farmers were within the age bracket of 31-40 years, 53.34 % were men, 91.67 % were married, 55.83 % had between 1-5 years of experience in fish farming and 75.83 % had tertiary educational qualification. Majority (92 %) of the fish farmers practiced the monoculture of catfish using earthen ponds system. The estimated total expenses were N 14,953,330.74 while the total revenue generated from 9 fish ponds, each stocked with an average of 3883.986 fingerlings in 2 cycles per year was N 20,188,142.00. The estimated net-farm income after tax was N 5,234,811.26 while the net profit margin and return on investment was 25.93 % and 35% respectively. Age, experience and household size were positive and significant (p<0.05) socio-economic factors that affected net-farm income while the challenges of fish farming were high cost of feed ( ̅x=3.24), poor pricing ( ̅x =3.11), poor access to capital ( ̅x=3.09) and persistent poaching/theft ( ̅x= 2.67). Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that there should be an intensive research by the fish nutrition division of National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR) on the possible alternatives of crude protein source that could be a perfect substitute to Clupeids in fish feeds. Keywords: aquaculture, catfish, socio-economic, profitability, farmers

The existing power differences among men, women and youths in aquaculture pre-empted the study on gender roles and economic differentials in aquaculture of Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed sources of production resources, gender roles, cost and returns and existing gender gaps in aquaculture. Using a survey design, a two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 81 males and 39 females from a population of 229 fish farmers. Data were presented using descriptive statistics and analyzed with budgetary technique and gender gap ratios. Key result shows that the men and youths had direct access to land through inheritance and purchase while the women (61%) accessed land through a family relation. The men and male youths performed majority of the gender roles involved in preparation of ponds, fingerlings stocking, fish management and post-harvest activities while the women and female youths were actively involved in fish management, liming and grading. Economic indicators show that the men and youths have a higher return on investment than the women implying that such power differences still exist. Hence, it is recommended that women should be organized in groups for empowerment. This will enable them utilize their collective strength through division of labour in fish farming.

The study assessed gender mainstreaming in West African Agricultural Productivity Programme in aquaculture value chain of the Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria. A two stage sampling technique was used to select 294 value chain actors across 20 communities. Also, Pie charts, logistics regression analysis, 3 point Likert-type scale rating technique and strategic decision matrix were used to analyse primary data. The result shows that 40% of the beneficiaries of fingerlings, fish feed and fish ponds in the programme were men, 26% were women and 34% were youths. Also, 49% of the beneficiaries of improved variety of crop seeds were men, 30% were youths and 21% were women while 66% of the beneficiaries of the NIFFR-WAAPP improved smoking kilns were women, 13% were men and 21% were youths. The determinants of participation in the programme were marital status, extension visits, membership of an association and experience. Furthermore, there were moderate financial requirements (need for loan and equipment) in feed milling (2.23), fish processing (2.30) and wholesale marketing (2.02), while the financial requirement in table-size fish farming was high (2.59). There were moderate development potentials (impacts on income, employment, poverty reduction and food security) in feed milling (2.33), fish processing (2.32) and wholesale marketing (1.99), while the development potential of table-size fish farming was high (2.55). It is therefore recommended that future interventions/programmes in the value chain should make necessary provisions for the financial needs of each value chain with the adoption of backward-forward integration of women and youths in the value chain.

The study determined garlic grower’s perception on livelihoods’ vulnerability to climate variability, the coping strategies employed, and the relationship between the profile and their coping mechanism to climate variability. Correlational research design was employed in this study. The respondents were randomly selected from the registered list of garlic growers in the municipalities of San Jose, Magsaysay, Calintaan, Rizal, Looc and Lubang of Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. Survey, interview guide and observation with the garlic growers and farmer leaders were done. Result showed vulnerability to climate variability indicators that were always perceived were pest and disease, lack of water supply and low quality of crops. The coping strategies that was always practiced was irrigating the land more during dry season using water pumps, since garlic is usually planted in the months of December to April. However, respondents indicated they ‘never’ got crop insurance and do not let their land be leased or rented by other farmers. Further, age and farming experience have significant relationship with coping mechanism employed.

In the orientation of rural -urban migration (drift), Nigerian policy on rural-urban migration shows that integration of natural resource management in rural development has significant contribution to make.Removal of dryseason water stress with water micro-project support for a greater number of rural communities and their young people who eke their living from agricultural productivity can solve the problem of rural -urban migration to a great extent.Water delivery support of Local Empowerment and Employment Management Project (LEEMP) was chosen by many communities in Southeastern Nigeria as their public good project.Rural man-hours/-days, in water stressed communities, are usually heavily affected by the dry season water stress significantly (Okwor, 2001).Even poultry and fishery also suffer a lot due to seasonal water scarcity.Many youths had shifted to urban from rural setting due to this unhealthy, unproductive environmental challenge due to the associated off -season employment opportunities with its poverty threat.If proper investments can be done in water delivery it can improve rural credit worthiness, rural credit facilities, education enhancement, communication facility, health facilities.LEEMP initially started with 3 local government areas in each LEEMP participating state of Nigerian federation but increased to 18 in 2006, and with only participating southeastern states as Enugu and Imo.The basic mechanism of Community Driven Development (CDD) strategy was adopted by LEEMP (Afatyo, 2005).Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) is the current operational name for LEEMP from March,2009.As an objective LEEMP uses IDA funds to finance micro-project supports for rural communities that chose investments in water delivery.It is predictable that a communal borehole venture would obtain N6.5 million worth of support from LEEMP (Eze, 2005).On entry activities, LEEMP started intervening with micro-project support in states such as Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Niger and Oyo (FPSU, 2006).

This study examined the effectiveness of agricultural protection policy and other macroeconomic variables on food supply, agricultural export, and farmers welfare in Nigeria, from 1980-2016 with a special interest in their relationship with the political economy. The specific objectives were to (i) estimate the degrees of agricultural protection, domestic agricultural food supply and economic welfare to farmers in Nigeria, (ii) determine the effectiveness of agricultural protection on food self-supply, agricultural export; and farmer-welfare. Data were obtained from secondary sources. Descriptive statistics and generalized method of moment (GMM) were used. Nigeria’s self-food supply was slightly above 50% while the rest of the consumption depended on importation. The welfare measure to farmers was relatively poor and not good enough to motivate them. There was a positive and significant relationship between export and agricultural protection. A significant and positive relationship also exists between farmer-welfare and protection in the sector.

This study examining the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and other macroeconomic variables on agricultural growth in Nigeria from 1981 to 2014, using annual time series data from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), World Bank and the United States of America (US) Federal Reserve System. Data was analysed using trend analyses, unit root tests, co-integration tests, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and Granger causality tests, while the hypothesis was tested with F-test. Results revealed very low FDI inflow into agriculture, not commensurate with the share of agriculture to GDP. All significance were taken at the 5% probability level, i.e. p<0.05. There was positive non-significant relationship between agricultural growth and FDI in agriculture, meaning that FDI in agriculture has no direct impact on agricultural growth or the impact on agricultural growth is masked by other macroeconomic variables. Significant positive relationship exists between agricultural growth and macroeconomic instability, while interest rate differential had a significant negative relationship. There was unidirectional causality running from FDI in agriculture, stock of gross external debts, and variability of consumers’ price index to agricultural growth, while agricultural growth was significant in granger causing macroeconomic instability. Recommendations are government should not involve itself in business, but seek for and encourage more FDI for the agricultural sector, encourage joint ventures between foreign and domestic investors/entrepreneurs, ensure stability and consistency in its macroeconomic policies, while monetary policy rates should be fixed in such a way that it would attract the right amount of investments in agriculture.

Financing poor resource farmers in Africa has been associated with large transaction and overhead costs. The use of social capital and joint liability promises to be a leeway. The paper assessed the performance of rice farmers' groups to micro finance service based on their social capital and joint liability approach. Primary data were generated through a sampling procedure and analysed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model. Results show that Group dynamics with respect to screening of applicants, peer monitoring and membership homogeneity in religious activities had significant effects on group repayment rate. The paper is of the view that groups that have good records in screening of applicants, peer monitoring and homogenous in religion should be funded.

The study assessed the vulnerability of farm households in Niger Delta to food insecurity. Four States were randomly selected from the region. Primary data were collected from 384 crop farmers, stratified into beneficiaries and non beneficiaries of microcredit schemes using multi-stage sampling technique. The data were analyzed using Vulnerability Index Analysis. The vulnerability indicators assessed in this study were: education, farm size, land ownership status of the farmer, access to remittance, household size, farm income, age of household head, asset value, dependent relatives and co-operative membership. Results show a high level of vulnerability among non- beneficiary households (0.55) and low level of vulnerability among beneficiary households (0.47). Based on the result, the study recommended among others, that the scope of microcredit should be expanded and the volume increased to reduce farmers’ vulnerability to food insecurity in the study area.

A few studies have linked remittances with income inequality. Perhaps because it is often conceived to have the same effects on income as well as consumption, little attention has been given to how remittances influence consumption disparity. In line with Debt Constraint Market (DCM) and Standard Incomplete Market (SIM) models, it was found that effect of remittanceson consumption disparity was not significant among Nigerian farm households. In contrast to the Gini index, Theil index with perfect subgroup decomposability was employed in the inequality analyses. The study retrieved secondary cross sectional data from Nigerian National Surveys.

The study examined the effects of interest rate deregulation on agricultural finance and growth in Nigeria. The study specifically ascertained the factors that determine the aggregate credit volume to agriculture within the periods of regulation and deregulation in the Nigerian economy, determined the effects of government finance interventions on agricultural sector performance in the Nigerian economy, determined the periodic effects of macroeconomic financial indicators on Agriculture’s gross domestic product (GDP) contribution to Nigerian economy and estimated the level of real credit growth of agricultural finance in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression technique and chow test were used for data analysis. The chow test showed that there was a significant differential effect on the aggregate credit volume to agricultural sector between the regulated and deregulated regimes. Interest rate was an important determinant of aggregate credit volume to the agricultural sector in Nigeria, especially during the deregulated period but monetary authorities should ensure appropriate determination of interest rate level that will break the double-edge effect of interest rates on savers and investors.

International remittances are now a mechanism in development financing and a welfare strategy. Growing trends of these money transfers by migrants to their families back home in developing nations have been proven by evidences in literature and many empirical findings. This research analysed the effects of migrant remittances on the welfare of farm households in Nigeria. Welfare was measurable in terms of the households’ real per capita consumption. Cross sectional data were pooled from two sources. The data sources were Nigerian General Household Survey conducted in 2010/2011 and the Nigerian Living Standard Survey carried out in 2003/2004. The analytical technique adopted was the poverty profile function within the framework of multiple regression analysis. Results showed that four exogenous variables, including household real per capita remittances were significant determinants of household real per capita consumption (welfare).

The study was conducted to assess the impact of National Special Programme for Food Security (NSFS) project on Productivity and income of Beneficiary farmers in Plateau Sate. The specific objectives included: (i) identify, describe and evaluated the socio-economic characteristics of the NSPFS project beneficiary and non beneficiary farmers (ii) determine the factors that influenced farmers participation in NSPFS projects in the study area (iii)determine the net farm income of beneficiary and non non-beneficiary farmers before and after the project intervention; (iv) determine the impact of NSPFS on beneficiary farmers income in the study area (v) determine the impact of NSPFS on beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers before and after the project intervention (vii) identify the problems faced by the beneficiary farmers in participating in NSPFS project in the study area. Primary and Secondary data were obtained from the respondents of 412 (206 beneficiary and 206 non beneficiary farmers) and NSPFS coordinating offices for baseline survey data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics; probit model; farm budgeting techniques of net farm income, production function; multiple regression and double difference method. The result showed that the socio-economic characteristics have a lot of influence on income and productivity of the respondents in the study area. Results showed male dominance in both beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers. Majority of the respondents (beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers) had farm size of between 0.5 “ 1.oha before and after NSPFS project respectively. Based on statistical analysis, there was significant difference between the socio-economic characteristics of NSPFS project beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Therefore, the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference between socio-economic characteristics of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries have been rejected and alternatives accepted. On the decision to participate in NSPFS project, 4 factors significantly influenced decision to participate in NSPFS project by the respondents. Participation in other agricultural projects was significant at 1% of t-value = 2.66. The net farm income realized by the responder is indicates an increase in the net farm income of both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. On impact of NSPFS on beneficiaries income, a positive mean difference of about N243,299.61 in income was realize and the difference in income was significant at 1% level with t-value = 3.86. This implies that there was an impact of the project on beneficiary's income. The regression result showed that NSPFS project has positive impact on crop productivity of beneficiary farmers in the study area. The f-chow calculated value was 104.45, while that of tabulated f-value was 2.6) at 5% for the three degree of freedom and the population sample N = 412. This implies that NSPFS had impact on crop productivity of beneficiaries. Resource use efficiency indicates that beneficiaries over utilized chemical and underutilized other resources like seed, fertilizer and labour but there was an improvement on the use of productive assets like hoes, cutlass and bicycle. Capital and fertilizer were major problems encountered by beneficiaries in participation in NSPFS project. Findings also revealed that the respondents claimed that their lack of participation in the project was based on their perceived idea that there are no meaningful results from government projects. Other reasons by the non-beneficiaries for not participating include lack of capital, not being a member of any farmer's cooperative society and also bad experience from other agricultural projects. The study recommends among others expansion of the NSPFS project to include at least three quarters of the small “scale farmers, adequate and timely supply of farm inputs be intensified and there should be a strong reawakening of the farmers' cooperative movement or societies as well as the encouragement of farmers to joint other local groups and association for easy accessibility to inputs, agro services and technological innovations in farm practices.

The study examined the impact of interest rate reform on agricultural finance and growth in Nigeria.The study specifically ascertained the factors that determine the aggregate credit volume to agriculture within the periods of regulation and deregulation in the Nigerian economy; and determined the periodic effects of macroeconomic financial indicators on Agriculture"s gross domestic product contribution to the Nigerian economy.Descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Squares regression technique and Autoregressive Distributed Lag model were used for data analysis.The chow test showed that there was a significant differential impact on the aggregate credit volume to agricultural sector between the regulated and deregulated regimes.Interest rate was an important determinant of aggregate credit volume to the agricultural sector in Nigeria, especially during the deregulated period but monetary authorities should ensure appropriate determination of interest rate level that will break the double-edge effect of interest rates on savers and investors.

The study examines and compares the capital structure and efficiency of capital employed between listed and unlisted agro-based firms in Nigeria. Data collected from 88 agro-based firms using random sampling technique for the period 2005-2010 were analysed using Z-test, Capital Structure Ratio (CSR) and Return on Capital Employed Ratio (ROCE) analysis as well as descriptive statistics. The result revealed significant differences between the capital structure of listed and listed agro-based firms. Listed agro-based firms recorded the highest debt to equity ratio than their unlisted counterpart. Short term debts also constituted a greater percentage of the total debt ratios of both sample groups. Unlisted agro firms were more efficient than listed firms in terms of return on capital employed. Accordingly, series of recommendations have also been offered.

Smallholder soybean production is investigated using an econometric analysis otherwise known as stochastic frontier analysis through transcendental logarithmic (translog) production function, which incorporates an inefficiency effects model. Ninety-six farmers were randomly selected through multistage techniques in Benue State, Nigeria. Factors (socio-economic and institutional) considered in the inefficiency effects model include household size, sex, age, years of schooling, farming experience in soybean production, health status, off-farm employment, non-family labour, credit accessibility, land fragmentation and extension contact. The parameters of the stochastic frontier translog production function are estimated contemporaneously with those involved in the inefficiency effects model. The results indicate that household size, age, non-family labour were significant and negatively related to the technical inefficiency while farming experience, off-farm employment, credit accessibility, land fragmentation, and extension contact were statistically significant and positively related to the inefficiency. The mean technical efficiency of the farmers is 0.84. This means that the farmers can still improve their efficiency level by 16%.

The study examined the determinants of capital structure decision and compared the capital structure of quoted and unquoted agro-based firms in Nigeria. Data collected through a multi- stage random sampling from the financial statements of 28 quoted and 60 unquoted agro-based firms for the period 2005-2010 were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Z-test and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. The result revealed significant differences in capital structure (long term debt and total debt use) between quoted and unquoted agro-based firms. Short-term debts constituted a higher proportion of total debts of both sampled groups. The regression result showed that firm size, asset structure andgrowth coefficients had significant positive relationships with both long and short term debt finance for both listed and unlisted agro-based firms respectively. Result further showed that age of firms, educational status of CEO, export status of firms, and gender of firm owners were positive and significantly related to long term debt for both listed and unlisted firms. Also, highly profitable firms depended on internally generated revenue, thereby lending credence to the pecking order theory (POT). Therefore, The study showed that pecking order theory dominated the financing behavior of agro-based firms in Nigeria while the agency cost argument was only relevant for listed agro-based firms. Hence, policies that would enhance the acquisition of tangible assets, encourage exportation, ensure appropriate record keeping and encourage the use of more long term finance in place of short-term finance should be pursued.

The study was conducted to analyze the impact of keeping livestock on poverty among farm households in Nigeria as a contribution towards finding a panacea to the poverty plague in the agricultural sector. The study used secondary data obtained from the Nigeria living Standard Survey data conducted in 2009/2010. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Forster-Greer-Thorbeck poverty measures and Propensity score matching. Results showed that 90% of the households were headed by males, 54% had household sizes of 1-4 and 79% were within the active productive age of less than 60 years while 62% had no formal education. About 96% were married whereas only 18.83% of the married household heads engaged in polygamous marriage. As high as 95.6% of the respondents had less than ₦99,999 in livestock value. 1.5% owned between ₦100,000-₦199,999 while 2.9% owned ₦200,000 and above worth in value. The incidence, gap and severity of poverty were least among respondents with between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 worth of livestock. The impact of owning agricultural equipment, land and livestock increased incomes of such households by ₦3, 677.44. Hence, the impact of keeping livestock reduced poverty incidence by 33%. The study recommends a reorganization of the existing farming systems being practiced in Nigeria. This will be aimed at encouraging the farm households to incorporate some livestock enterprises into their farm business organizations since the ownership of livestock significantly minimized the chances of the farmer being poor.

This study empirically examines the impact of capital fight and its macroeconomic determinants on agricultural growth in Nigeria from 1970 -2013. Data generated were analyzed using Unit root test, co-integration test, regression analysis. The study result found negative and insignificant relationship(P>0.05) between total capital flight and agricultural growth; meaning that capital flight has no direct impact on agricultural growth or the impact on agricultural growth is shadowed by the other macroeconomic variables in the system. Also, the stock of gross external debt (EXD) variable showed positive and statistically significant relationship (P<0.05) with agricultural growth. The result shows that a unit change in EXD will bring about 24% change in the growth of agriculture provided other factors are kept constant. Political instability (POL) variable has negative and significant effect on agricultural growth in Nigeria. The study recommends that Nigeria’s judicious use of the income accruing from loans and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is paramount if Agricultural growth is to be enhanced. Furthermore, the overall peace, security of lives and property and guaranty of investment by the government is essential therefore; Government should take concerted step to improve security of life and property in the country.