Background This study developed and validated a socio-economic status (SES) scale specifically designed for rural women farmers in Southwest Nigeria to provide a culturally relevant tool for assessing resource disparities. Grounded in Human Capital Theory and Feminist Economics, the research aimed to identify valid SES indicators, classify respondents, capture unpaid labour contributions, and inform gender-responsive agricultural policy. Methods Data were obtained from 330 respondents selected through a four-stage sampling process across Ondo, Ogun, and Oyo States using an interview schedule. From an initial pool of 200 SES-related items, item analysis (point biserial correlation and t-tests) produced 67 valid indicators spanning domains such as material assets, social participation, and access to productive resources. Results Construct validity, tested via the known-group technique, showed significantly higher SES scores among married women compared to solo women (t = 19.8, p = 0.001). Overall, 75.5% of respondents were classified within low or middle SES tiers, reflecting persistent socio-economic disadvantage. Time-use findings further revealed an average of seven hours of unpaid agricultural labour daily among respondents. Everyday household items such as cutlasses, buckets, and spoons emerged as statistically significant SES markers, underscoring their dual role as productive tools and livelihood enablers. The validated 67-item scale captured both material assets and social participation, bridging conventional measures with context-specific realities. The skewed SES distribution highlighted structural inequalities in access to education, credit, and institutional support, with solo women particularly disadvantaged. These results demonstrate that unpaid labour and household production are integral to rural livelihoods and must be recognised in socio-economic assessments. Conclusions The validated SES scale provides empirical evidence for integrating socio-economic data into agricultural planning, recognizing unpaid labour in economic policy, and promoting equitable resource distribution strategies that prioritize marginalized rural women. Its relevance lies in bridging feminist economic theory with practical agricultural development, making invisible contributions visible and offering a diagnostic tool for policymakers and extension agents.

This study examined the determinants of arable farmer’s use of carbon sequestration practices (CSP) for climate change mitigation in Kwara State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to select 180 respondents, and data were collected using structured interview schedules. Frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and factor analysis were used for data analysis. The extent of use of CSP was moderate, with a cumulative mean score of 2.51. The most commonly used practice was improved soil structures (x̄ = 3.21). Farmers’ perception of CSP was generally positive, with a cumulative mean score of 3.10. CSP can increase crop yield (x̄ = 3.87) and improve soil quality (x̄ = 3.65). Major determinants influencing CSP use include institutional support, socioeconomic capacity, and farm resource endowment, which jointly explained 68.16% of total variance. Institutional factors were most influential, accounting for 29.55%, followed by socioeconomic (22.43%) and resource-related factors (16.18%). The study concluded that farmers’ use of CSP is formed by a combination of institutional, socioeconomic, and resource factors. Strengthening extension services, improving land tenure security, and enhancing access to training and inputs to promote widespread adoption of carbon sequestration practices were recommended.

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and constraints of agricultural extension educators regarding the integration of digital tools in agricultural extension services in Kwara State, Nigeria, by examining the extent to which extension educators are knowledgeable about and favourably disposed to using digital tools in agricultural extension services, as well as ascertaining the barriers to their effective adoption. A survey design was employed using a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected via a structured interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that 57% of respondents were male, 71% were married and 40% held PhDs – with a mean age of 45.3 years and 11.3 years of teaching experience. A significant majority (77%) demonstrated high knowledge and a favourable attitude towards digital extension services. Although 82% were aware of digital tools, only 48.2% reported high usage. The main constraints were poor orientation, high internet connectivity costs and the expense of digital equipment. Correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between digital literacy and willingness to adopt digital extension tools (r = 0.72, p < 0.05), emphasising the role of technical capacity-building in accelerating adoption. These findings underscore the need for targeted capacity-building, financial incentives and infrastructure improvements to enhance digital adoption in agricultural extension services.

This study assessed the training needs of Fulani women on commercial production of guinea fowl in Osun State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 140 respondents for the study. Data were obtained using interview schedule and was analysed using, percentages, means, standard deviation and multiple regression at p≤0.05. The results showed that the overall perception towards commercial guinea fowl production was positive (x̄=3.15). Sex identification (3.83) and knowledge of nutrient requirements (3.65) were identified as the highest areas of training needs. Incompatibility with nomadic life (x̄=1.37) and lack of adequate/proper shelters/housing for the birds’ (x̄=1.24) were the major constraints to commercial production of guinea fowl. Years spent on education (β=-0.063) and years of experience (β=0.132) significantly influenced the respondents’ training needs. Targeted training workshops and demonstration programmes emphasizing the areas of training need in guinea fowl production should be organized for the Fulani women to boost their production capacity.

Abstract In Nigeria, several community development initiatives abound either through the government or donor agencies. Despite all these efforts, little concern has been placed on the security of rural dwellers. This has enabled incessant conflicts in rural communities, leading to the loss of lives and an overall negative effect on food production. This chapter employed different conflict and mediation theories to explain the causes, drivers, and ways to resolve the conflicts. Materials were sourced from top-tier databases, including reports and publications from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum, and other reliable sources. It found that conflicts in rural communities have resulted in the destruction of lives and livelihood assets, a reduction in crop yield and income, an increase in fear and ethno-religious stereotypes, food shortages and rape. It identified a partial implementation of community policing strategy but noted the centralization of power to the Nigerian Police Force as an impediment to its effectiveness. Worthy approaches to ensuring the effectiveness of community policing strategy as a panacea to crimes and rural conflicts are: constitutional redress; developing programs and needed resources; training and re-training of officers and partners; planning an effective strategy using civilian volunteers; aligning performance measures of officers and partners; demonstrating leadership and taking risks; and making changes to the organization of departments under the community policing structure. However, it recommends operational community policing that incorporates all actors in the states and local governments with reliable legal frameworks for securing the farm and rural farming communities in Nigeria.

The study assessed the knowledge of agricultural science teachers on rice production technologies. A two-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting fifty-one agricultural science teachers for the study. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire The data was analysed by frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, and multiple regression. The result revealed that Internet (x̄ =1.73) and Agricultural textbooks (x̄ =1.53) were the major sources of information for rice production technology. The respondents had high knowledge (90.2%) of rice production technologies. Poor financial condition (x̄ =2.57) was identified as the major constraint to accessing information on the technologies. Result also revealed that education, years of working experience and place of residence had significant influence (p<0.05) on the teachers’ knowledge of the technologies. The study concluded that with the high knowledge of agricultural science teachers in rice production technologies, when properly equipped, they can serve in advisory capacity to farmers who may not have access to extension officers

This study examined the socioeconomic factors influencing the competency level of extensionagents in South-east, Nigeria. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select 283extension agent respondents representing 70% of extension agents’ total numbers acrosseachstateData were collected through a structured questionnaire; a self-rating scale was used todetermine the extension agents’ competency levels in their extension activities. Frequencycounts, percentages, mean scores, standard deviation and the Linear Regression was used toanalyse the study data. The results shows that, majority of the respondents were married(83.4%), 46.3% were within the age bracket of 41 and 50years, and they were all literate(100%). Respondents were found to possess high level of competence in programme planning( =3.59), demonstration and communication ( =3.56), evaluation (m=3.55), leadership( =3.43) human relations ( =3.38) and technical expertise ( =3.48). They were however lowin computer skills and knowledge ( =1.63). Majority of the respondents (58.0%) had moderatelevel of competency. Extension agents’ age, sex, marital status, distance to work and incomewere found to have significant influence on the competency levels of the extension agents. Thestudy recommended that attention should be paid to the crucial socio economic characteristics ofthe extension agents that had influence on their competency levels; Extension agents should alsobe trained on those areas where their competencies were rated low

This study examines the gender-based analysis of risk management strategies and improved technology adoption among small-scale maize farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to: compare the risk management strategies by gender; analyze the gender-based effect of the adoption of improved varieties on output and evaluate factors influencing the adoption of improved technologies among male and female farmers in the study area. A random sampling procedure was used to select a total of 250 male and female farmers in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the data for the study. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Propensity score matching, and logit model. The findings of the study were that: early planting was the most common risk management strategy among the men (79.86%) and women (73.12%) farmers followed by diversification, use of improved varieties and bush fallowing. The result also showed that the adoption of improved varieties increased the yield (productivity) of both male and female farmers. The factors influencing the adoption of improved among the men farmers include extension access, educational level, output and labour while for the women farmers, the price of improved seed, output, herbicide and credit availability were the factors that significantly influenced their adoption of improved varieties. The study recommended that the price of the improved seed should be made affordable for women farmers, information sharing should be encouraged among male farmers and the government should empower extension agents in sensitizing farmers on risk management strategies especially the adoption of improved crop varieties and diversification into other agricultural related activities towards improving their livelihood.

The study examined the perception of cooperative rice farmers on loan repayment in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Interview schedule was employed in obtaining information from 138 cooperative rice farmers randomly selected from twenty-three rice cooperative groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result shows that the mean age of the respondents was 41 years and household size of 7 persons, majority (70.3%) were males, married (84.1%), with average rice farming experience 25 years. Also majority (98.6%) of the respondents have high perception on loan repayment. Loans were used for buying planting materials (98.6%), paying of laborers (92.8) and managing of farm activities (91.3) among others. Preferred timing of loan repayment are fortnightly (94.9%) and weekly (65.2%). The constraints timely repayment of loan were diversion of funds to non-farm ventures ( = 2.18), late disbursement of loan ( = 2.02) high interest rate ( = 1.99), and lack of government support ( = 1.96). Correlation result shows that the age of the respondents (r=0.688, p<0.027), household size (r=0.727, p<0.021), educational level (r=0.923, p<0.014), and years of farming experience (r=0.661, p< 0.036) showed a positive significant relationship with perception of loan repayment. The study established that respondents have high perception for the loan repayment. Socio-economic variables also contributed to the loan repayment. It was recommended that rice farmers should have access to soft loan since they have high repayment, this would help to expand rice farming and boost production as well as constant capacity building training on positive perception on loan repayment

Over the years, interpersonal communication among farmers has been identified as a way farmers share agricultural knowledge among themselves. During this process ideas are exchanged. In the face of inadequacy in the number of extension personnel in Nigeria, there is need to document the effectiveness of farmers’ knowledge exchange as an alternative channel of disseminating innovations. Hence, this study assessed the determinants of knowledge exchange on drought tolerant maize (DTMA) technology in Kwara State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to select 391 main plot managers to be respondents for this study. The mean age of the respondents was 47.6 years. Majority (78%) of them were males, 85.3% married and 81.9% had formal education with an average household size of 9 persons and 20.9 years of farming experience. Data were collected through interview schedule and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and multiple regression analysis. A small proportion (20.1%) of the respondents belonged to the category of very low knowledge exchange of DTMA. Plot neighbor was indicated as the major communication network through which knowledge exchange occurred among the farmers. Comparative benefits of the technology (x = 3.55) was identified as the most important motivation influencing farmers’ decisions to exchange knowledge among themselves. Age, household size, contact with extension agents, and farming experience had significant contribution to the extent of knowledge exchange among the farmers at 0.05 level of significance. It is recommended that farmer-to-farmer extension should be strengthened since it could bridge the gaps in technology transfer and promote adoption of agricultural technologies.

In spite of the numerous advantages associated with integrated rice and fish farming, deliberate adoption of this technique is still insignificant. This study examined rice farmers’ perception and knowledge of integrated rice and fish farming practice in Kwara State. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to select 149 rice farmers, while data was obtained through the use of a well-structured structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The results show that 81.9% of the respondents were male with mean age of 38 years and an average of 14 years farming experience. Given the average mean score of 3.04 respondents had a positive perception of integrated rice and fish farming, while 63.8% of the respondents had moderate knowledge. Farmers’ identified high cost of irrigation materials (M.S.=2.59), poaching (M.S.=2.59), flooding (M.S.= 2.55) as major constraints to the practice of integrated rice and fish farming. Farmers’ perception had a significant relationship with knowledge of integrated rice and fish farming at p<0.05 level. Also, farmers’ age (r=0.300, p<0.000), level of education (r=0.287, p<0.000), farming experience (r=0.220, p<0.007), membership of cooperative society (r=0.176, p<0.032) and extension contact (r=0.204, p<0.013) had significant relationship with the knowledge level. The study concluded that the rice farmers had moderate knowledge and positive perception of integrated rice and fish farming. There is a need to provide incentives, such as irrigation facilities to farmers and provision of adequate training on integrated rice and fish farming in order to fully maximize the potentials therein.

Small-scale rice processors in Nigeria cannot afford to individually own rice destoners and have therefore not adopted its use. As a result, locally produced rice has failed to satisfy both the local and foreign markets in terms of quality. This study determined the willingness of the women rice processors to own and manage destoners in groups. The survey also determined the factors that influenced their willingness and the constraints to the joint acquisition of destoners. Following a two-stage random sampling technique, 195 respondents were selected on whom a structured interview schedule was administered. Descriptive statistics and the Probit Regression Analysis were used to present and analyse collected data. Findings reveal a high level of willingness (62.6%) influenced by the age of the respondents (-0.0341), their total annual income (0.3864), educational level (0.0757), rice farming experience (-0.7927), access to extension (-0.0089), and credit (0.0079) at P<.05. The burden of joint management (Mean score = 2.56), poor accountability (Mean score = 2.55), and poor organisation of the groups (Mean score = 2.47) were the most severe constraints to the joint acquisition of destoners among the women processors. The study concluded that the willingness of the women was high and influenced by some socio-economic characteristics. Strengthening of the processor groups through training in group dynamics and models of joint acquisition and ownership are some of the recommendations from the study.

The study examined the patterns and determinants of youths’participation in the Commercial Agricultural Development Programme in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from all 239 registered participants of the programme via the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Probit Regression Model were the tools for data analyses. Most of the respondents (86.4%) were between 31 and 40 years of age, male (89.7%), married (85.3%) and had a tertiary level of education (82.6%). Only 40.76% of the respondents participated actively in the programme. About half of the respondents (49.5%) were full-time farmers, 28.8% worked a minimum of 5 days a week on the farm and worked an average of 6 hours per day. The socio-economic determinants of participation were age, educational level, marital status, years of experience and nature of participation (p<0.01). The study concluded that the level of participation of youths in the Programme was low and influenced by participants’ age, marital status, and level of education, experience and nature of participation. The study recommends that the program should focus more on graduates of tertiary institutions. The existing participants who are not graduates and future non-graduate recruits would require closer guidance and monitoring for performance.

The aim of the study was to develop and validate farmers’ knowledge exchange scale. This was accomplished by establishing specify domain for the construct, generating scale items, scale purification, and scale validation. Accordingly, twenty-one knowledge exchange items were initially listed. After being reviewed and revised by experts, it was pruned to 17 items which was used to collect data from 300 farmers in 16 communities within Kwara State, Nigeria. Four emerging constructs of 10-item knowledge exchange scale, including clarity, reliability, usefulness and reciprocity components were identified by performing an exploratory factor analysis. Subsequently, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for validating the scale. The results of the model showed good fit with the data (χ2 = 172.87, df = 59, p-value < 0.001, and RMSEA = 0.047). In addition, the scale was found to be highly reliable (with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.92). The study concluded that knowledge exchange assessment scale has the capacity to serve as an analytical tool, which can help researchers and extension practitioners assess the quality of information farmers share among themselves. [J Bangladesh Agril Univ 2020; 18(4.000): 1029-1034]

Communication is noted as a vital catalyst in the process of social-awareness. For a country to advance, the citizens must be aware of government policies, implications and individuals’ roles. RUGA, a government initiative, generated so much controversy within the country. This may be due to poor sensitization of the programme’s benefits on the part of the media organizations. This study was conducted to assess how RUGA issues were reported in selected Nigerian newspapers, by assessing: the prominence given to RUGA news with reference to other subject matters, the frequency of reportage, and news report format. A systematic quantitative content analysis was used in collecting, analyzing as well as interpreting the data for the study. A total of 276 daily publications of three newspapers were analyzed from a pool of sample drawn through purposive sampling technique from issues of the newspapers published within three months’ period of July to September, 2019. The data from these newspapers were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Findings showed that RUGA issues were not given adequate prominence in the three newspapers, and the newspapers performed more of an informative role in the reportage rather than giving a journalistic analysis of the policy itself in form of feature or editorial. The study recommends that news writers should be more analytic in their style of reporting developmental initiatives so as to help people understand the purpose and essence of such initiative. Also, the Nigerian newspapers, should scale-up agricultural content in their publications as a way of consolidating agricultural consciousness in Nigerians.

The need to develop a sustainable exploitation system for the Nigerian rubber farmers requires that extension services should be available to assist the farmers in specific areas that can help them function effectively and improve productivity. The study investigated the perceived extension needs of rubber production farmers in Delta state Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to determine sources of information on rubber production, varieties of rubber clones cultivated by the respondents, perceived extension needs of rubber farmers, and constraints to rubber production. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select 120 rubber farmers as respondents for the study. Data were analysed using frequency, percentages, means and Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis. Results showed that majority of the respondents (85.5%) were male, married (83.3%) and had average farming experience of 14 years. The NIG801 and NIG800 varieties were the local clones majorly cultivated and the GT1 and PB217 varieties were the exotic clones majorly cultivated. Findings also showed that respondents need production information on use of formic acid for latex coagulation (66.7%), use of ammonia for latex preservation (73.3%) and marketing information (60.8%). The constraintsindicated by the respondents were problem of land tenure (81.7%), lack of adequate credit facilities (70%), fire outbreaks (72.5%) among others. The result of the hypothesis showed that age (r = 0.199) had a positive significant relationship with farmers’ extension needs. It was recommended that extension personnel should be trained on techniques of rubber production in order to deliver effectively to the farmers. Key words: extension needs, rubber, farmers, Delta, Nigeria

Challenges such as those poised by climate change and farmers-herdsmen conflicts have increased income diversification among farmers in Nigeria. While rural income diversification has been applauded as insurance against the risks inherent in farming, its potentials to compete for the resources and attention of farmers may have negative consequences for agricultural production food security, and the livelihood of rural households. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of rural households in the study area, examined the number of income sources of rural households, determined the contributions of different income sources to the overall household income, and assessed the livelihood status of rural households. A three-stage random sampling technique produced a sample size of 160. Data was obtained through an interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were used for data analyses. Findings revealed that rural household heads were predominantly male (85%), with a mean age of 51.6 years. The mean annual income and farm size were $2,002.57 and 3.3 acres respectively. The average number of income sources was 3.3 and farming contributed the most (40.4%) to household income. The Livelihood status of the respondents was low (mean = 1.77). At p < .01 households’ number of income sources was inversely related to their livelihood status. The study concluded that the more diverse farmers’ income, the lower their livelihood status. It is recommended that the number of their economic activities are kept at such that can be effectively managed for positive contributions to the livelihood of farming households.

Despite efforts made on plantain and banana by agricultural research institutes, its production has not been remarkable. However, the potential of plantain and banana depends on the full utilisation of macro propagation technology which was introduced to the farmers. This study therefore assesses the socio-economics characteristics of plantain and banana farmers, as well as their attitude and adoption level in order to identify the factors responsible for adoption and to highlight the constraints to adoption of macro propagation technology in Ondo State, Nigeria. A sample of 120 respondents was randomly selected from the list of trained farmers. Data were collected by means of interviews using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result show a mean age of 48.12 years, which does not encourage adoption, as well as a neutral attitude of farmers towards the technology (mean=2.98) and a low adoption level (mean=2.86). Furthermore, it was revealed that insufficient finances (51.7%), inadequate technical know-how (51.7%), and high cost of inputs (46.7%) were severe constraints to adoption of macro propagation technology. The study found that educational status (p<0.05), farm size (p<0.05), income (p<0.05), and market link (p<0.01) were positively significant with adoption of the technology and therefore concludes that educational level, income, farm size and market link are responsible for the adoption of macro propagation technology in Ondo State. Thus, the study recommends that more training be put into practice which takes into consideration the factors responsible for adoption. It is also important to incorporate youths into the training, and there should be proper monitoring after the training to ensure full adoption of macro propagation technology.

This study examined the poultry farmers perception on environmental issues associated with poultry farming in Kwara State of Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers (ii) determine respondents’ perceptions  of environmental issues associated with poultry farming and (iii) determine the level of farmers’ awareness of environmental protection agency’s activities. A well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from one hundred and twenty five (125) randomly selected commercial poultry farmers from the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Kwara state Chapter. Data were analysed using descriptive statistic and Multiple Regression Analysis. Results of analysis showed that mean age of respondents was 45years, average farm size was 1320 birds and poultry farming experience was 11 years. Also, majority were male (79.2 %), married (83.2%), and had tertiary education (97.6%). The perceptions of farmers on environmental issues was high (mean =3.80). and significantly influenced by farmers’ age (β= 0.225, p < 0.05), level of education (β= 0.178, p < 0.01), farming experience (β= 0.142, p < 0.05), and farm size (β= 0.177, p < 0.05). Level of farmers’ awareness of the activities of environmental protection agency was also low (38.8%) in the study area. The study concluded that poultry farmers’ perception on environmental issues associated with poultry farming was high in the study area. The study recommends among others that this high perception potential could be used as premise by relevant stakeholders or agencies responsible for environmental protection, in providing farmers with appropriate innovations on environmental management and protection. Keywords: Poultry farming, Perception, Environmental issues, Kwara state

Abstract This study assessed the constraints faced by commercial poultry farmers in waste management practices in Kogi and Kwara States, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from randomly selected 138 and 125 registered commercial poultry farmers from both states, giving a total sample size of 263 for the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data for the study. Results of analysis showed that mean age was 46.7 years, farm size was 991 birds and poultry farming experience was 11 years. Also, majority were male (82.0 %), married (88.8 %), had tertiary education (94.0 %). Mean age of farm was 9 years. Poultry dropping was the most (mean = 2.36) generated waste in the study area. The most prevalent waste management methods used by poultry farmers were open dumping around the farm (mean = 2.23), giving wastes free to the public as farmyard manure (mean = 2.16), poultry wastes are dumped in a nearby bush (mean = 2.09), dead birds are buried in a pit near the farm (mean = 2.08), dead birds are thrown into a nearby bush (mean = 2.01) and dead birds are burnt inside a pit or in a heap near the farm (mean = 2.01). The major constraints faced by farmers in waste management practices were lack of awareness on how to use the wastes productively (mean = 4.06), no agricultural land nearby where wastes can be used (mean = 3.69), excessive odour from waste (mean = 3.66), high cost of chemical treatment (mean = 3.56), high transportation cost (mean = 3.24) and high cost of private waste management agencies (mean = 3.01). Results of Multiple Regression Analysis show that poultry wastes used as farm yard manure, burnt and buried in a pit, sun-dried and burnt and given freely to interested farm workers had inverse significant relationship to constraints while dumping of poultry wastes around the farm, nearby bush and to animals such as dogs had positive significant relationship to constraints faced by respondents in waste management. The study concluded that the level of constraints faced by commercial poultry farmers in waste management practices was high (mean = 3.39) in the study area. The study recommends among others the needs for existing poultry farmers association to include programmes that will enlighten members on poultry waste management practices that will not have negative effect upon their birds and the environments.