DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND EXTENSION SERVICES

This study assessed the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the role performance of agricultural extension workers in Edo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of extension workers in Edo state, Nigeria, ascertain effects of subsidy removal on the roles performed by extension workers, identify coping strategies for overcoming the fuel subsidy removal effects by extension workers in performing their roles and identify constraints to extensions role performance in the study area. A purposive selection of the entire population of extension workers from the three (3) agricultural zones in Edo State, Nigeria constituted the sample for this research. This gave a sample size of One hundred and four (104) respondents for the study. Collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results showed that majority of the respondents were male (55.8%). The average age of the respondents was approximately 46 years. The predominant staff category was Extension agent (47.1%). Marital status showed that a significant majority were married (78.8%). Educationally, most workers held a BSc/ HND (66.3%) . Regarding training, most workers participated in in-service training (65.4%) with a majority attending 6-8 trainings (51.0%). It was observed in the study that annual income varied, with the majority earning between 500,000 and 1,000,000 Naira (53.8%). Household size predominantly ranged from 3-4 members (49.0%). Most respondents had 6 to 10 years of working experience (39.4%). Respondents’ grade level showed a concentration in the 6-8 range (47.1%). In terms to examine the effects of fuel subsidy removal when compared to before the removal, knowledge transfer was still majorly performed (�ത3.33), networking performance dropped significantly ( �ത 3.06), technical advising dropped ( �ത 3.13), communication dropped ( �ത 3.00), program development decreased to �ത 3.11), capacity building dropped to ( �ത 3.18) , problem solving performance decreased to ( �ത 3.24), community liaison performance dropped to (�ത 3.14), needs assessment dropped to (�ത 3.17), monitoring and evaluation dropped to ( �ത 3.03), advocacy dropped to ( �ത 3.07). The most commonly adopted coping strategies were telecommuting and virtual meetings (82.7%). The most severe constraints were inadequate institutional support (�ത 3.76). The study concluded the reinstatement of fuel subsidy, investing in sustainable energy solutions, developing robust remote support system, engaging stakeholders including government agencies and private sector partners can restore the high performance levels of extension workers.

This study analyzed the profitability of cassava production in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research specifically examined the socio– economic characteristics of cassava farmers, estimated production costs and returns, identified factors influencing profitability, and documented constraints faced by producers. A two – stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 cassava farmers from five major farming communities in the local government area. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and multiple linear regression. Findings revealed that cassava production in the area is dominated by small – scale farmers with a mean age of 42 years, average farm size of 1.3 hectares, and relatively high educational attainment. Budgetary analysis showed the enterprise to be profitable with a gross margin of ₦107,929.46 and net profit of ₦67,054.70 per farmer per production cycle, yielding a net profit margin of 25.4%. Regression results identified farm size, yield and fertilizer cost as significant positive determinants of profitability

The primary purpose of this study was to assess the information needs of cocoa farmers in Edo and Ondo states. Specifically, the study was conducted to investigate the information needs assessment of cocoa farmers; ascertain the farmers’ preference for cocoa information sources; examine cocoa farmers information needs and farmers search behavior and examine cocoa farmers’ constraints to information accessibility in the study area. Multistage random sampling
procedure was used to select 432 respondents while a structured interview schedule was used to
solicit information from the respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Binary logit regression, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and 2x2 matrix used to establish the priorities mean score). The result revealed that the mean age of cocoa farmers was 52 years while majorities (70.4%) of the farmers were male. Majorities (35.4%) of the farmers had formal education, higher membership of a group (93.5%) and were married (80.3%). Majority (74.3%)
of the cocoa farmers’ cultivated farm lands of less than 10 hectares with a mean farming
experience of 22 years. This study revealed that the most prominent sources of information was
input dealers/suppliers (  =2.86±0.40), while Television (  =2.76±0.56), extension posters
(  =2.80±0.50) and face to face advice by other farmers (  =2.87±0.45) were the most preferred
among the institutional bodies, mass media electronics, print media and traditional sources of
information respectively. The mean score for weed control (  =3.14) and pest and disease
control (  =3.14) which were ranked 2nd in cocoa production information needs were ranked 1st
and 4th in level of information search with the mean values of (  =2.24) and (  =2.03)
respectively. Hence, the farmers need training in their information search behaviour. From the Matrix presentation, it was observed that cocoa production information with the discrepancies scores of farm layout with a weighted mean score of 5.48, farm cultivation system with a weighted mean score of 4.82 and seed selection and planting materials which had a weighted mean score of 4.67 were the critical areas where cocoa farmers need training or education in cocoa production information needs. Binary Logistic Regression indicated that the Nagelkerke R square value of 0.15 and 0.29 for Edo and Ondo States respectively indicated that the determinants would collectively explain about 15.0% and 29.5% variation in cocoa production information needs of farmers, respectively in the study area. Also the binary logistic regression test indicated that extension agents (t= 1.61; p≤0.01); input dealers/suppliers (t= 2.89; p≤0.01); internet (t= - 1.65 p≤0.01), cable network (t= 2.56; p≤ 0.01); family members (t= 0.92;
p≤0.05) and face to face contact with other farmers (t =0.67; p≤0.01) were the most significant preferred sources of information on farmers production information needs. The finding of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation indicated that positive and significant correlation exists between production information needs (r=0.271; p≤0.01) and postharvest information needs (r=0.303; p≤0.01) and farmers’ search behaviour for information.

This study was carried out to analyse fresh fish marketing in Benin Metropolis. The specific objectives are to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of fresh fish marketers in the study area; ascertain the marketing Chanel for fresh fish in Benin Metropolis; estimate the profitability of fresh fish marketing in the study area and
identify the challenges confronting fresh fish marketing in the study area. A three stage sampling procedure was used in the study. The final stage involved the use of simple random sampling technique in the selection of 72 respondents. Both primary
and secondary data were used in the study. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire through field survey and interview schedule. The collected data were measured and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Profitability was analyzed using Gini coefficient and market margin while the hypothesis was analyzed using multiple regression. The results showed that majority (73.6%) of the marketers were female and 42 years old. The results also indicated that most (77.8%) of the marketers were married, with Primary School living certificate and 5 persons within household. The results indicated that 84.93% of the marketers had marketing experience of 2 to 11 years, majority (55.6%) of marketers are not member of cooperative society and 77.8% are full time marketer. The total margin was 178519.1781 and marketing margin was N154741.54. The results showed that there was a negative and significant relationship between marketing experience and fresh fish marketing at 10% level of probability. The results also showed that contact with extension agent has a positive and significant influence on fresh fish marketing in the study area. The challenges confronting fresh fish marketing is shown in Table 4.5.

Women play a crucial role in agriculture in Nigeria, contributing significantly to food production and the economy, which is often undervalued. The main objective of this study is to assess the participation of women farmers in cassava farming and extension services, The specific objectives include;
1. To describe the socioeconomic characteristics of women cassava farmers. 2. To identify the farming activities performed by women cassava farmers. 3. To identify the respondent's awareness and access to extension services. 4. To analyse the perception of the benefits of extension services on farming activities. 5. To identify the challenges faced by women cassava farmers. A multistage sampling was carried out with a random selection of female farmers from four communities in the Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo state, Nigeria. Data were analysed using frequency, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, percentage and tables, and the hypothesis was tested using multiple regression. Results showed that the greater proportion 35.8% of female farmers were within 40- 49 years old, 75.8% were married, 85.8% are literate, 42.5% of persons had a household size of 2-4, 58.3% of persons primary occupation was farming, 62.5% of persons participated in cassava production, 54.2% persons had a farming experience of 1-5 years, 45.8% persons had a farm size of less than one hectare, 35.8% of persons had an annual income of 200,000-500,000 naira, 90.8 % of persons used farm labour, 52.5% persons never had contact with an extension agent and 58% of farmers used family labour. Farmers participated in Land clearing ( �ത = 3.72), Planting (�ത = 3.53), Weeding (�ത = 3.99), Harvesting (�ത = 3.98), Processing (�ത = 3.75), Transportation (Mean=3.55), Processing to garri (�ത = 3.48) and Storage (�ത = 3.57). Majority of farmers were aware and had access to profitable market (�ത = 3.46), loans, farm credit and other financial aids (�ത = 3.50) and ownership of land for farm use ( �ത = 3.08). The farmers found the following services beneficial, access to profitable market (�ത = 3.26), access to loans and financial aid (�ത = 3.11), access to information on government policies (�ത = 3.88) and access to ownership of land for farm use (�ത = 3.71). The farmers faced the following challenges mobility restrictions and transportation difficulties (�ത = 3.86), high cost of input and storage facilities (�ത = 3.18), insufficient finance (�ത = 3.33), inadequate infrastructure (�ത = 3.68), expensive and inadequate farm labour (Mean=3.98), insecurity (�ത = 3.55) and pest and disease attack ( �ത = 3.97). I recommend that targeted extension programs should be developed, that address the specific needs and challenges faced by women farmers, including training on modern agricultural techniques and financial literacy

The farm household is the fundamental unit of management where decisions and actions affecting crop biodiversity are made. The household functions as a consumer, consuming commodities made on the farm by its members as well as goods acquired with money earned from wage labor or the farm. The household generates agricultural commodities that are either consumed or sold on the market by combining its own resources of labor, land, and other capital with inputs that are acquired. (Van dusen, 2000). According to Benin et al (2004), farmers’ decisions about which cereal crops and varieties to grow and how extensively can be understood in the context of the theory of the household farm. In this theory, the household farm maximizes utility over a set of consumption items generated by the set of crops and varieties it grows (Cf), a set of purchased consumption goods (Cnf), and leisure (l). The utility a household derives from various consumption combinations and levels depends on the preferences of its members. Preferences are in turn shaped by the characteristics of the household, such as the age or education of its members, and wealth. Choices among goods are constrained by the full income of the household, total time (T) allocated to farm production (H) and leisure (l), and a fixed production technology represented by (F). The production technology combines purchased inputs (X) and labor (L) with the physical characteristics of the farm (ΩF), which are fixed in a single decision
making period. (Joshi, 2006).

The distribution and marketing of leafy vegetables pose significant challenges due to their perishable nature. This study was conducted to assess the profitability of vegetable marketing in Benin City, Edo State, by examining the socioeconomic characteristics of leafy vegetable marketers, determining the cost and margins of leafy vegetable marketing, analyzing the determinants of profit in this sector, and identifying associated challenges. A sample of 100 respondents from five markets was selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to vegetables marketers. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics budgetary analysis and inferential statistics (linear regression). The findings indicate that the majority (89.0%) of respondents were females, highlighting the dominance of females in vegetable marketing. Middle-aged individuals constitute a substantial proportion (40%) of vegetable marketers, and married individuals dominate the sector (42%). Larger households with 4-6 members contribute significantly to family labor and expenses. Total revenue (TR) from various vegetables amounted to ₦29,675.71, with variable osts (TVC) totaling ₦20,730 and fixed costs at ₦7,050. The total Marketing cost (TMC) was ₦27,780, resulting in a net return of ₦1,895.71. While the net return indicates profitability, it is relatively lower compared to previous research findings. Key constraints include poor access roads, rapid quality deterioration/spoilage, seasonal price fluctuations, and high transportation costs. The perishable nature of vegetables presents a significant challenge. it can be concluded that vegetable marketing in Benin City is predominantly conducted by females, often middle- aged and married individuals. Despite profitability, the profit margin is comparatively lower than in previous studies. It was recommended that addressing poor access roads to alleviate transportation challenges and reduce spoilage and marketing costs.

Background: On-farm biodiversity is essential for ecological resilience, food security, and the preservation of indigenous genetic resources. In Ondo State, Nigeria, maize is a primary staple crop, yet the diversity of varieties cultivated on individual farms is increasingly threatened by the drive for commercialization and the adoption of high-yielding monocultures. Objective: This study analyzed the factors influencing on-farm biodiversity—specifically cultivar richness—among maize farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria Methodology: A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select maize farmers across the three senatorial districts of the state. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and focused group discussions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Simpson Diversity Index to measure the level of biodiversity, and Poisson regression analysis (or Multiple Regression) to identify the socio-economic and institutional determinants of on-farm diversity Findings: Results indicated that a significant majority (approximately 76%) of maize farmers in the study area practice in situ conservation by cultivating more than one variety on their land. The analysis revealed that: Socio-economic Factors: Farm size, household size, and years of farming experience were positively and significantly correlated with higher levels of biodiversity. Institutional Factors: Access to extension services and membership in farmers' associations played dual roles; while extension services often promoted improved varieties (potentially reducing diversity), they also provided the technical knowledge necessary for managing multi-crop systems. Technological Factors: The number of agricultural technologies adopted and the level of information received regarding climate-resilient seeds significantly influenced the retention of traditional varieties.

The distribution and marketing of leafy vegetables pose significant challenges due
to their perishable nature. This study was conducted to assess the profitability of vegetable marketing in Benin City, Edo State, by examining the socioeconomic characteristics of leafy vegetable marketers, determining the cost and margins of leafy vegetable marketing, analyzing the determinants of profit in this sector, and identifying associated challenges. A sample of 100 respondents from five markets was selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to vegetables marketers. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics budgetary analysis and inferential statistics (linear
regression). The findings indicate that the majority (89.0%) of respondents were females, highlighting the dominance of females in vegetable marketing. Middle-aged
individuals constitute a substantial proportion (40%) of vegetable marketers, and
married individuals dominate the sector (42%). Larger households with 4-6 members contribute significantly to family labor and expenses. Total revenue (TR) from various vegetables amounted to ₦29,675.71, with variable costs (TVC) totaling ₦20,730 and fixed costs at ₦7,050. The total marketing cost (TMC) was ₦27,780, resulting in a net return of ₦1,895.71. While the net return indicates profitability, it is relatively lower compared to previous research findings. Key constraints include poor access roads, rapid quality deterioration/spoilage, seasonal price fluctuations, and high transportation costs. The perishable nature of vegetables presents a significant challenge. it can be concluded that vegetable marketing in Benin City is predominantly conducted by females, often middle- aged and married individuals. Despite profitability, the profit margin is comparatively lower than in previous studies. It was recommended that
addressing poor access roads to alleviate transportation challenges and reduce spoilage and marketing costs.

This study focused on effect of Covid-19 on market orientation of catfish farmers in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo state Nigeria. The specific objectives were to : describe the socioeconomic characteristics of catfish farmers; identify the farming activities engaged in by the respondents; examine the measures used by catfish farmers to maintain market oriented production during outbreak of Covid-19 in the study area; examine the market orientation level of the catfish farmers during the outbreak of the Covid-19 ; ascertain the effect of the pandemic on the market orientation of the respondents ; identify the marketing information sources used by the respondents during the pandemic and identify the constraints encountered by the respondents during the outbreak. A three-stage sampling procedure was used for a proportional randomselectionof124 catfish farmers from the four fish farm clusters in the Local Government Area of the study. Primary data was collected through the use of structured questionnaire in line with the objectives of the study and was supported by in person interview schedule conducted among catfish farmers. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages and mean scores as well as inferential statistics such as Multiple regression analysis