DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND EXTENSION SERVICES

The study was conducted in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, to assess information source utilization among arable crop farmers in the study area. The research specifically aimed to describe farmers' socio-economic characteristics, identify available information sources, analyze their access, preference, and frequency of use, determine motivational factors, and identify constraints to information utilization. A two-stage sampling procedure was adopted, leading to the random selection of 80 respondents. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores, while multiple linear regression was used to test the hypotheses. Findings on socio-economic characteristics revealed that the respondents were predominantly male (54.9%), married (73.2%), with a mean age of 45 years and an average of 15 years of farming experience. A majority (80.4%) had at least a primary education, and most were small-scale farmers with an average farm size of 2.02 hectares. The most utilized information sources were fellow farmers (97.6%), cooperative associations (95.1%), and radio (86.6%). A key finding was a disparity between access and preference; while extension agents and research institutions were highly preferred, access to them was low. The major constraints to information utilization were the high cost of modern technologies (x̄=4.74), poor access to extension services (x̄=4.56), and irregular power supply (x̄=4.50). Regression analysis showed that age had a significant negative relationship with both access to and frequency of use of information sources, while farming experience positively influenced access, and farm size positively influenced the frequency of use. The study concludes that farmers rely heavily on informal networks due to constraints in accessing formal sources. It recommends strengthening formal extension services, leveraging existing informal networks like cooperatives, and improving rural infrastructure to enhance information dissemination and utilization for improved agricultural productivity

This study examined the knowledge and skills of agrochemical usage among cassava farmers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of Cassava farmers, examine the level of perceived Knowledge the Cassava farmers have in agrochemical usage, determine the level of skill Cassava farmers have in applying agrochemicals effectively and safely and determine the constraints faced by farmers in acquiring the knowledge and skills in agrochemical usage. A total of 90 cassava farmers were selected using a two‑stage sampling technique, and data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Findings revealed that most farmers were within the productive age group (x̄ = 42 years), 64.4% were male, and 72.2% had secondary education. All respondents (100%) used agrochemicals, and 57.8% had received some form of training on agrochemical usage. The findings revealed that farmers had high knowledge level for information on agrochemical labels or cans (x̄= 2.98), the different types of agrochemicals for different pests or plant problems (x̄ = 2.57), correct personal protective equipment to use by sprayer(x̄= 2.55), weather can affect spraying chemicals (x̄= 2.96), how to calculate treatment area and calibrate spraying equipment properly (x̄= 2.60), how to safely mix different chemicals for use (x̄= 2.58) and low knowledge levels were recorded for others. Skill levels also varied, select the correct agrochemical for the target pest or crop issue (x̄ =2.08), Measure and mixes agrochemicals accurately with the right tools (x̄= 2.44), Wear appropriate protective equipment (like gloves, masks) during handling and spraying (x̄= 2.08), Apply chemicals without polluting water, harming life or damaging land (x̄= 1.78), Act quickly and safely if you come in contact with dangerous chemicals ((x̄= 1.93), Maintain accurate data of chemical use (x̄= 1.69). Significant constraints included low literacy levels (x̄= 2.63), labels not written in local languages (x̄= 2.51), inaccurate information from fellow farmers (x̄= 2.53), and lack of motivation to attend training (mean = 2.64). The Logistic Regression analysis showed that household size (p = 0.012), annual income (p = 0.001), and training (p = 0.001) significantly influenced knowledge. For skill level, sex (p = 0.014), household size (p = 0.057), farming experience (p = 0.004), income (p = 0.002), and training (p = 0.004) were significant. The study recommends more practical training, better extension support, clearer agrochemical labels in local languages, and improved access to protective equipment to ensure safer and more effective agrochemical use

Cassava production remains a major source of livelihood and food security for households in Nigeria. However, farmers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State continue to experience socioeconomic, institutional, and environmental challenges that affect their productivity and capacity to cope with shocks. This study assessed the profitability of cassava farming in the area and examined the resilience level of farming households. Data were collected from 95 cassava farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, a resilience index, and a multiple regression model. Cost and return analysis showed that cassava farming generated a total revenue of ₦231,074.80, with a gross margin of ₦222,003.04. Farmers spent ₦9,071.76 on variable inputs and ₦129,931.36 on fixed costs, resulting in a total production cost of ₦139,003.12 and a profit of ₦92,071.68. A return on investment of 1.66 indicates that farmers not only recovered their costs but also made a positive financial gain. Processing accounted for the highest proportion of variable costs, followed by expenditure on bags, planting materials, and fertilizer. Resilience analysis showed moderate resilience in access to loans/grants, extension services, and cooperative membership (0.50 each). Asset ownership and market access presented fairly good resilience scores (0.33), while coping mechanisms were weak (0.25). The composite resilience index of 0.403 placed the majority of households in the “fairly resilient” category, with 47.37% classified as resilient and 52.63% as non-resilient. Logistic regression revealed that annual income (p = 0.007) and household size (p = 0.014) significantly improved household resilience, while age and sex had no significant effect. The model explained 67.7% of the variation in resilience (Adjusted R² = 0.677). Major production challenges included poor road networks, high input costs, pest and disease infestations, unstable government policies, limited credit access, theft, and inadequate production resources. The study concludes that cassava farming is profitable but constrained by poor infrastructure and weak coping capacities. It recommends enhancing farmers' access to credit, improving rural road networks, strengthening extension service delivery, and providing subsidized inputs to boost resilience and profitability

Urban agriculture (UA) has become an increasingly important livelihood, nutritional, and resilience strategy among households in Nigeria’s rapidly urbanizing cities. However, its uptake among educated professionals including university staff remains insufficiently documented. This study investigated the awareness, perception, and involvement in urban agriculture among academic and non-academic staff of the University of Benin, Nigeria, focusing on two contrasting faculties: Agriculture (agri culturally oriented) and Social Sciences (non-agriculturally oriented). A total of 74 respondents, representing 20% of the total staff, were selected using random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socioeconomic characteristics, awareness, perception, level of involvement, motivations, and challenges. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC), independent t-test, and logistic regression, with significance set at 5% (p < 0.05) and processed using SPSS Version 29. Findings show that UA participation cuts across diverse demographic groups but is dominated by middle-aged (mean = 45 years) and male staff (68.9%), most of whom are married (93.2%). Respondents were highly educated, with 50% holding BSc/HND, 27% MSc, and 16.2% PhD degrees, yet earned relatively modest monthly incomes ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦69,999, indicating that UA functions as an essential coping strategy within the university community. Most staff had worked for 11–15 years (55.4%), suggesting residential and occupational stability that supports UA engagement. Awareness of UA was moderately high (66.2%), with colleagues (55.4%) and social media (48.6%) serving as the primary information channels. However, formal exposure to agricultural training was almost absent only 5.4% had ever attended a UA workshop, and no respondent reported contact with extension agents. Institutional awareness was also low, with only 20.3% recognizing UA activities within the university

Oil palm seedling production is a critical component of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, particularly in Edo State, where it supports rural livelihoods and contributes to national income. This study evaluated the economics of oil palm seedling production in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the socio-economic characteristics of producers, estimated production costs and returns, identified factors influencing revenue, and assessed constraints faced by farmers. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents from five oil palm seedling-producing communities. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and multiple regression. Results revealed that the majority of producers were male (61%), middle-aged (50% aged 21–40 years), and educated (94% had at least primary education). The average household size was 5 members, and most farmers operated small-scale farms (55% cultivated 0.5–1 hectare). Total production cost averaged ₦401,867.27, with land rent (₦109,558.82) and fertilizer (₦55,655.13) as major expenses. The enterprise proved profitable, generating a gross margin of ₦588,325.60 and a return on investment (ROI) of 1.464. Regression analysis indicated that seed cost (r = 4.65, p < 0.001) and fertilizer cost (r = 4.85, p < 0.001) significantly enhanced revenue, explaining 61.5% of variability (R² = 0.615). Key constraints included inadequate finance (100% of respondents), high transportation costs (99%), irregular input supply (99%), labor shortages (98%), and land tenure issues (99%).

This study examined the comparative economic analysis of waterleaf and fluted pumpkin in Benin metropolis Edo State. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of fluted pumpkin and waterleaf farmers in the study area, identified and compared the production operations of waterleaf and fluted pumpkin, determined and compared the profitability of waterleaf and fluted pumpkin production, examined and compared the factors affecting the production of waterleaf and fluted pumpkin and identified the constraints faced by farmers in the production of fluted pumpkin and waterleaf in the study area. Multistage sampling procedure involving the combination of purposive, and simple random sampling technique was used to sample a total of 90 respondents (39 for waterleaf and 51 for fluted pumpkin respondent). The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary model, and multiple regression model and t- test. The results of the analysis showed the mean age of 52years for waterleaf and 53years for fluted pumpkin while 74.36% were female for waterleaf farmers and 84.31% were also female for fluted pumpkin farmers. The results also revealed that 56.41% had primary education for Waterleaf farmers and 58.82% for Fluted Pumpkin farmer and the highest form of education is primary education

The study analyzed sharp practices used in storing grains by grain marketers in Egor Local Government Area of Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 74 grain marketers were sampled in the study area. Copies of structured questionnaire were used in collecting data for the study. The data collected were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentage, mean and standard deviation and logistic regression was used to test the hypothesis. The major findings were that some (33.8%) of grain marketers were between the age 31- 40 years and the computed mean age of the respondents was 41. Also almost equal proportion of both sexes were involved in marketing of grain (male - 51.4%, female - 48.6%). The results also showed that higher percentage of the respondents (55.4%) dealt with maize and most (37.8%) of the respondents acquired secondary school education as their highest form of education, 68.9% had their source of information on how to store grains from their family. Results also show that majorities (> 50%) of respondents were aware of each sharp practice mentioned.

This study investigated the poverty status and income inequality among cooperative and non-cooperative cocoa farming households in Edo State, Nigeria. Cocoa production remains a major livelihood activity in rural communities, yet farmers continue to experience persistent poverty due to structural, financial, and agronomic challenges. The study specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of cocoa farmers, identified services provided by cooperatives, assessed poverty levels using the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) poverty indices, analysed determinants of poverty through logistic regression, and identified major constraints affecting cocoa production. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 106 respondents, consisting of 54 cooperative members and 52 non- members. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics, FGT measures, and logistic regression models. Findings revealed that cocoa farming in the study area is dominated by middle- aged and elderly males with moderate levels of education and household sizes. Cooperatives provided key services such as credit, agro-chemicals, improved seedlings, marketing support, and discounted inputs. Surprisingly, poverty incidence was higher among cooperative households (P₀ = 0.407) than among non cooperative households (P₀ = 0.288). Poverty depth and severity followed the same trend, indicating that cooperative members were more deeply affected by poverty

he research assessed agriculture students’ perception of academic and institutional services in University of Benin, Benson Idahosa University and Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma. The core findings focused on the quality of academic and institutional service available in the University of Benin, Benson Idahosa University and Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma. Agricultural students were selected from the different agriculture department based on level of study, data generated was analyzed using frequency counts, percentage and mean while hypothesis was tested with spearman correlation and chi square. Findings showed that a higher proportion (57.5%) of the respondents were male students which showed that males were given more opportunity for higher education in the study area. A higher proportion 67.5% and 32.5% of the students attended both private primary and secondary schools respectively. It also showed that the students had positive perception that social opportunities (canteen, garden and seating places) of the faculty are sufficient (Mean 3.84). findings also established that students’ interest to venture into agriculture was high as there is opportunity for self employment in agriculture (Mean, 4.21). results also showed that students had high level of satisfaction as agricultural class has provided me with the competencies needed to succeed in business and industry (Mean, 3.29). The results also showed that the most serious constraints faced by students was methods used in teaching practical is laborious (Mean 2.90)

The study analyzed the profitability of oil palm Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) production in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The study specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area, estimated the inputs and output quantities of oil palm FFB production in the study area, estimated the costs and returns of oil palm FFB production and its profitability at different ages of the palms in the study area, examined the factors affecting profitability of oil palm FFB production in the study area and identified the constraints faced by respondents in the study area. A two-stage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting the respondents for the research. A Total 109 copies of questionnaire were sent to the field to collect primary data and 70 copies were retrieved and data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative techniques. Result study showed that the oil palm produces were mainly male (71.4%), with a mean age of about 48 years and formal educational background. Oil palm FFB was found to be most profitable at the age range of 9-18years with an estimated Net Farm Income of N881644.71 per hectare. and there was profit for palm younger than 8 years at the Gross Margin level with an estimated gross margin of N253619.18 but the net income was negative meaning a loss in the long run. The profitability declined at above 18 years, at all ages oil palm FFB production was profitable with an estimated Net Income of N392938.18 and a Return On Investment of 0.33. The major constraints faced by the oil palm farmers were difficulty in obtaining credit, lack of funds, lack of extension contact, inadequate land and lack of improved materials. Government/stakeholders should encouraged farmers to practice more of mechanized farming as it will help in reducing the cost of labour and increase productivity