DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND EXTENSION SERVICES

Aquaculture has become a critical element of the world’s food security chain and provides a sustainable approach to protein security, poverty alleviation, and diversification of living resources. This study was conducted to assess participation and motives in the farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer program for aquaculture farmers of the Edo South Agricultural Zone. The specific aims of the research were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of aquaculture farmers in the study area; ascertain the level of participation of aquaculture farmers in farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer
initiatives in the study area; determine the motivations of aquaculture farmers in farmerto-farmer knowledge transfer in the study area; and determine the constraints faced by
aquaculture farmers in participating in farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer in the study
area. The multistage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 120 aquaculture
farmers from three cluster communities from Ikpoba- Okha LGA. Data were collected
using structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential
statistics tools such as frequency count, percentages, mean and standards deviation. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed farmers mostly of males (52%), with a mean age of 43, with (97%) attaining at least secondary education. The majority (62%) ranked aquaculture as their
primary occupation. The level of farmer participation within the knowledge-transfer
program remains high, with a mean score of 3.33 to 4.24, representing high levels of
farmer participation, notably during pond construction (100%), feeding (94.9%), drug
administration (100%), and harvest (99.2%). However, participation is low concerning
feed formulation (14.4%), pond fertilization (16.1%), and marketing (39.0%). The
absence of formal training programs related to knowledge sharing (mean of 3.75), the
absence of organized learning platforms (mean of 3.50), and the lack of trust within the
knowledge shared (mean of 3.02) were the major constraints. The results also showed
that households size (–0.250; p = 0.006) was significant. While the level of motivation
possessed a significant positive relationship (correlation coefficient of r = 0.427, a
significance level of p = 0.000). it was concluded that knowledge-transfer program
among farmers is important within the promotion of aquaculture innovation and
alleviates the low formal extension framework within Edo State. It was recommended
that the level of participation within the knowledge-transfer program represents a positive

Women's contributions to agricultural production are fundamental to achieving food security and economic development, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, their productivity is often constrained by a range of socio-economic and institutional barriers. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the roles of women in agricultural production in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, with a specific focus on their socio-economic characteristics, types of agricultural activities, participation levels, and challenges faced. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 women farmers from four communities (Okada, Iguobazuwa, Uhen, and Oduna), of which 110 questionnaires were properly completed and analyzed. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple line arregression analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were married(53.6%),within the active age range of 31-40 years (mean age: 36 years), and had secondary education (40.9%). Most women (46.4%) combined farming with trading as their primary occupation, with an average farming experience of 9 years and a household size of 5 persons. Crop farming was the predominant activity (77.3%), with maize (47.3%) and vegetables (45.5%) being the most cultivated crops. Women demonstrated substantial participation across the agricultural value chain, with 70% involved in planting activities and an average of 4 hours spent daily on farm operations. The majority (56.4%) exhibited moderate participation levels, while 81.8% engaged in marketing their produce, and 59% maintained autonomous decision-making authorityovertheiragriculturalenterprises. However, severe constraints were identified, including lack of access to credit (mean = 3.25), genderdiscrimination (mean = 3.23), inadequatemechanized tools(mean =2.81), high labour costs (mean = 2.74), and poor transportation and storage facilities (mean = 2.65). Statistical analysesrevealedsignificantrelationshipsbetweenparticipationlevelsandkey variables:land ownership(χ²=11.106,p=0.085),age(r=0.241,p=0.011),farmexperience(r=0.264,p= 0.005), household size (r = 0.212, p = 0.026), and income (r = 0.314, p = 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that income was the most significant predictor of participation level (β = 0.037, p = 0.001), explaining 19.3% of the variance. Additionally, significant associations were found between participation levels and engagement in crop farming (χ² = 13.447, p = 0.001) and livestock rearing (χ² = 66.403, p = 0.041). The study concludes that women play critical roles in agriculture but face significant constraints. To enhance their productivity and empowerment, the study recommends policy interventions focused on improving access to affordable credit, promoting labour-saving technologies, strengthening women's land rights, and providing gender-sensitive extension services to bridge the existing gaps in knowledge and resource access.

This study examined post-harvest losses in cassava production and their impact on food security among cassava farmers in Etsako East, Edo State. Primary data were collected from 100 randomly selected cassava farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The socio-economic characteristics revealed
that respondents were predominantly middle-aged, married, and experienced small-scale farmers with a mean annual income of ₦505,625. Results showed that major factors influencing post- harvest losses included mechanical damage during handling, unfavourable climatic conditions, lack of transportation, irregular market days, pest and disease attacks, and poor storage facilities. Food insecurity indicators revealed that households frequently reduced meal quantity, skipped meals, or borrowed food due to shortages, indicating moderate levels of food insecurity. Strategies used to combat food insecurity included reliance on cooperatives, selling farm produce, seeking assistance from relatives or NGOs, and engaging in off-farm jobs. The binary logistic
regression revealed that age, sex, education, household size, farming experience, farm size, cooperative membership, annual income, and access to extension services significantly influenced food security status (p < 0.05). The study concludes that post-harvest losses significantly undermine both income and food availability, thereby contributing to household food insecurity in the area. It recommends investment in improved storage facilities, timely processing technologies, better road and market infrastructure, and strengthened extension services to reduce losses and enhance food security among cassava farmers.

This study examined the socio-economic effects of artificial intelligence in Agricultural by farmers and extension agents in Edo state, Nigeria. A stratified sampling procedure was used to select 131 farmers and 82 extension agents that were used for this study. The specific objectives were analyzed using descriptive statistics ( frequency, percentage and mean rating ) why regression analysis was used to analyze the hypothesis. Findings revealed that the majority of farmers (62.4%) and extension agents (61.7%) were male, and most fell within the economically active age range of 31–50 years. Awareness level of AI technologies was high, 74.4% and 91.7% of farmers and extension agents respectively, satellite imagery (64.0% of farmers; 75.0% of extension agents), and climate precision models (60.0% of farmers; 81.7% of extension agents). However, advanced technologies such as remote sensing recorded low adoption (8.0% of farmers; 1.7% of extension agents). Adoption levels of Artificial intelligence(AI) varied and showed mixed sociocultural reactions towards AI technologies. The regression analysis shows that most socio-economic characteristics, sex (β = 0.162; p = 0.020), association membership (β = 0.258; p < 0.01), awareness of AI (β = 0.585; p < 0.01), and location (p = 0.058) of respondents have significant influence on awareness ( β = 0.585; p < 0.01 ) and adoption (Adjusted R² = 0.523 ) of AI technologies with some sociocul tural effects. The study concludes that while awareness and partial adoption of AI technologies are increasing, full integration into agricultural practice is hindered by sociocultural beliefs, limited infrastructure, and gaps in technical capacity

This study focused on effects of market association activities on the marketing of palm oil in Ovia North East Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socioeconomic characteristics of palm oil marketers; ascertain the conditions for entry and exit from the association; identify the activities carried out by the market association in the marketing process; examine the effects of association activities; identify the marketing information channels used by the respondents; identify the constraints encountered by palm oil marketers. A two-stage sampling procedure was used for simple random sampling of 80 palm oil marketers from Five (5) palm oil markets in the LGA. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire in line with the objectives of the study and was supported by in-person interviews conducted among the respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores, as well as inferential statistics such as Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC).

The study examined the use of food safety information practices among garri consumers in University of Benin communities, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of garri consumers, determined their level of awareness and sources of garri food safety information available and accessible, assessed the utilization of garri food safety practices, identified constraints inhibiting the use of garri food safety information, and examined the relationship between awareness, socio-economic characteristics, and the use of garri food safety information practices. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 respondents, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression, and logistic regression. Findings revealed that nearly all the respondents (97.5%) were below 30 years, predominantly female (75%), unmarried (95.8%), and literate, with most being students (83.3%). The study showed a high level of awareness of general food safety issues such as knowledge of food spoilage, illnesses and hygiene but a low level of awareness of storage-related practices. Social media (90.8%) and television (74.2%) were the most common sources of food safety information, while extension agents, flyers/posters, food vendor/producer and health workers played minimal roles. Consumers showed high utilization of information from peers and social media but limited utilization of technical practices such as re-roasting and sieving. Regression results indicated a positive and significant relationship between awareness and utilization of food safety practices (p < 0.001), though awareness accounted for only 11.1% of the variation in utilization. Among socio-economic
characteristics, only the volume of garri purchased significantly influenced the use of food safety information (p < 0.05). The study concludes that while garri consumers in the study area are aware of food safety issues, awareness alone does not guarantee consistent safe practices. It
recommends that government agencies, universities, and health educators intensify targeted food safety campaigns, promote credible information sources, and strengthen enforcement of hygiene standards among garri sellers to ensure consumer safety and public health.

Cassava production remains a major livelihood activity and an important contributor to food security in Nigeria. However, farmers in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State face several production challenges that affect their efficiency and profitability. This study assessed the farm-level efficiency of cassava production in the area, focusing on the socio economic characteristics of farmers, cost and returns, technical efficiency, and major production constraints. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 cassava farmers from six purposively chosen communities. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means and percentages), gross margin analysis to determine profitability, a stochastic frontier production function to estimate technical efficiency, and a Likert scale to identify production constraints. The results showed that cassava farming is dominated by middle-aged, active farmers, with 74.17% being male and a mean age of 41 years.Most respondents were married (58.33%) and had moderate to high education levels, with
37.50% possessing OND/NCE qualifications. The farmers had an average of 13 years of farming experience, and 52.10% had household sizes of 1–5 persons. The cost and returns analysis revealed that cassava production is profitable, with a total revenue of ₦1,884,166.67 and a total variable cost of ₦1,022,710.51, resulting in a gross margin of ₦861,456.16. The stochastic
frontier model indicated that farmers operated at a mean technical efficiency of 0.68, suggesting that they achieved only 68% of their potential output and could increase productivity by 32% without increasing input levels. The distribution of technical efficiency scores showed that 40% of farmers fell within the 0.51–0.70 range, 37.5% between 0.71–0.90, while only 3.33% attainednear-optimal efficiency (0.91–1.0). Farmers also faced several constraints, with unpredictable input prices (mean = 3.02), pest and disease outbreaks (mean = 2.95), and lack of mechanized equipment (mean = 2.79) emerging as the most severe challenges. The study concludes that cassava farming in Uhunmwonde LGA is profitable yet constrained by inefficiencies and
production challenges. It recommends increasing extension contact, strengthening access to subsidized inputs, and establishing community-level mechanization hubs to improve efficiency and enhance cassava productivity in the area

Water erosion poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, infrastructure, and sustainable rural development in Nigeria, particularly in regions with high rainfall intensity. This study assessed the water erosion control methods practiced by rural dwellers in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of the rural dwellers; identify the water erosion control methods they practice; ascertain their level of participation in these practices; determine the perceived benefits of erosion control on community development; and identify the challenges faced in implementation. A two-stage sampling technique was employed, involving the purposive selection of six erosion-prone communities (Evwreni, Uwherun, Ohoro, Ughelli, Orogun, and Agbarho), followed by the simple random selection of 15 rural dwellers from each, resulting in a sample size of 90 respondents. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and meanscores) and inferential statistics (binary logistic regression) to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed a youthful, educated, and gender-mixed population with diversified livelihoods. Respondents demonstrated high awareness (84.3%) of various erosion control methods. The most commonly practiced methods included proper drainage systems (77.8%), mulching (70.0%), cover cropping (63.3%), and construction of dams (61.1%). However, the level of consistent participation was high only for proper drainage (mean=3.47), mulching (3.28), vegetative cover (3.22), and cover cropping (3.02), while more structural methods like terracing, contour farming, and dam construction recorded low participation. The primary perceived benefits of erosion control were reduced flooding (95.6%), enhanced agricultural productivity (85.6%), and protection of infrastructure (82.2%). Major constraints to adoption were lack of materials (81.1%), lack of funds (75.6%), time constraints (74.4%), and poor government support (73.3%). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between specific socio-economic characteristics (such as age, household size, primary occupation, and income) and the adoption of certain erosion control methods. For terracing; age (p=0.043), household size (p=0.044), primary occupation (p=0.011), for zero/reduced tillage; household size (p=0.078), primary occupation (p=0.031), for proper drainage system; household size (p=0.088), for vegetative cover; age (p=0.087), primary occupation (p=0.081), income (p=0.019), for construction of dams; sex (p=0.033), income (p=0.050), for building raised platforms; sex (p=0.056) and for agroforestry; age (p=0.093) leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concludes that while rural dwellers in Ughelli North are knowledgeable about erosion control, a significant gap exists between awareness and consistent implementation, driven largely by socioeconomic and institutional constraints. It is recommended that government, development agencies as well as local community leaders enhance capacity building through practical training, provide financial subsidies and materials, strengthen extension services, and promote community-based approaches to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and ensure sustainable land management in the region.

Cassava is a crucial staple crop in Nigeria, playing a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods. However, climate variability—characterized by erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events—poses significant challenges to cassava production. This study examines the effects of climate variability on cassava production capacity in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it aims to (1) describe the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava farmers, (2) estimate and compare local cassava yields with the national average, (3) examine the effect of socioeconomic and climatic variables, along with market price, on cassava yield; (4) identify adaptation strategies employed by farmers to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate variability; (5) highlight how respondents perceived climate variability to affect cassava production. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 100 cassava farmers, while secondary information was obtained from established sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression models. Findings revealed that although local cassava yields are slightly lower than the national standard, the difference is not statistically significant. Capital investment emerged as a key determinant of yield, whereas climatic variables did not show a direct significant effect. These results underscore the need for enhanced financial support, improved agricultural practices, and robust extension services to build resilience against climate variability. The study provided valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to secure cassava production under increasingly volatile climatic conditions.

This Study conducted a profitability analysis of plantain marketing in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. It was observed that there was no clarity on the measures that plantain marketers in Ovia-North East Local Government Area of Edo State put in place to reduce the effect of the marketing constraints in order to increase their marketing profitability. Hence, the study objectives were to identify the socio-economic characteristics of the respondent; determine the marketing channels; determine the profitability; identify the marketing constraints and identify the ameliorating measures for plantain marketing in the study area. The primary data used for the study were collected through interview with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Eight (8) markets were purposively selected in the study area. Marketers were proportionately sampled from each market giving a total sample size of ninety (90) respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics, cost and return analysis, ordinary least square regression analysis, and Likert scale were used to analyze data collected. Majority of the marketers interviewed were female (95.6%), married (66.7%), within the age group of 40-49 (30%) with secondary education (38.9%), 6 10 years and 20 years and above (28.9%) marketing experience and household size of 1-5 (58.9%). The study encountered mainly retailers (48.9%). Marketers had a mean monthly gross income of ₦172.17 per bunch. Their gross ratio, operating ratio, expense structure ratio, return per capital invested and benefit cost ratio were 0.17, 0.82, 0.004, 0.21 and 1.21 respectively. Marketing constraints were high purchase price, seasonality, high transfer cost and poor access to credit facilities. Ameliorating measures used were thrift society and joint vehicle hiring. Quantity sold and transfer cost were the significant determinants of revenue with a coefficient of 1334 and 671.68 respectively. It was concluded that plantain marketing was profitable and that technologies, financial and transport systems dedicated to agricultural products, most especially plantain, will greatly boost profitability.