J. Ahmadu

This study examined the effect of agricultural credit on rural livelihood diversification among cassava farmers in Orhionwon Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from a sample of 80 cassava farmers through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean scores) and inferential statistics (Independent Samples T-test). The socio-economic analysis revealed that the majority (56.25%) of the farmers were female, with a mean age of 43 years and a mean farm size of 1.6 hectares. Cooperative societies were identified as the most frequent source of credit (33.75%), while friends and government sources also played significant roles (30% each). The
primary purposes for seeking credit were the acquisition of farm inputs for cassava
production (50.67%) and the payment of farm labor (26.67%). Despite access, 51.25% of respondents indicated that the credit received was insufficient for their needs. Livelihood diversification was found to be a prevalent survival strategy, with 92.31% of farmers engaging in other activities such as poultry farming, petty trading, and cassava processing. The results of the t-test analysis showed a statistically significant increase in mean income from ₦554,000 before accessing credit to ₦736,500 after accessing credit (P < 0.05), confirming that agricultural credit positively impacts financial leverage and diversification capacity. However, high interest rates (Mean = 2.586) and strict collateral requirements (Mean = 2.525) were identified as the leading constraints to credit access. The study recommends that financial institutions and government agencies should lower interest rates and simplify collateral requirements to enhance credit accessibility, thereby fostering sustainable rural livelihoods and economic resilience among smallholder farmers

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

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