Resource use efficiency of yam production among smallholder farmers in Southeast, Nigeria was studied. The specific objectives of the study are to estimate the costs and returns in yam production, determine the allocative efficiency of yam production among small holder farmers, determine the different effects of yam cropping activities to the environment and identify and describe the limiting factor to yam production in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 240 farmers and from which information needed for the study were elicited using a structure questionnaire. Cost and returns analysis, allocative efficiency model and distributive statistics such as percentage response and frequency distribution table were used to capture the objectives of the study. The result shows that yam production was profitable in the study area. Also, result of the allocative efficiency of the inputs shows that the farmers did not attain optimal allocative efficiency, since they either under - utilized or over utilized their resources. Yam production activities in form of clearing, burning, pesticides use, fertilizer use and tillage could result in among others wild Life habitation, oxygen – carbon dioxide balance, erosion, effect aesthetic, increases soil temperature, reduction of soil nutrient, human health and welfare and conversion of organic nitrogen into mobile nitrates. The constraints to yam production were high cost of labour, poor access to credit, poor access to extension services and high cost of labour. Improving farmers’ access to credit, fertilizer and extension contact were recommended.

No abstract

No abstract

The study was conducted in Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 50 farmers used for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data required for the study. Data collected were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques. The result established that goat farmers in the study area were relatively young with a mean age of 38 years. Literacy level and household size were high. Enterprise variables established that the farmers were experienced and that goat production was an income generating enterprise with positive net profit and a mean net income of N2,719.00, that is, $7.769 at N350 per doller.  Return on investment (ROI) was established to be positive with a value 0.13 implying that goat production in the study area was profitable. The constraints to goat production in the study area were poor road network, pest and diseases, among others. It was recommended that, campaign and sensitization of the profitability of goat production should be carried out. Also, non-governmental organizations, government and financial institutions should assist goat producers by providing funds in form of soft loan, credit facilities and needed capital to improve their financial base and increase their production capability.

The determinant of loan repayment and credit worthiness of smallholder maize farmers under Kenechukwu Microfinance in Enugu North Agricultural Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria was studied. One hundred and twenty respondents were randomly selected using multi stage random sampling technique. A well-structured questionnaire and interview scheduled were employed to collect the data. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, table and percentage responses were employed to analyze objectives. The multiple regression analysis and discriminant analysis were also used to analyze the data obtained. The determinant factors to loan repayment in the study area were educational level and distance from the bank to farmers’ house. Furthermore, factor affecting credit worthiness of the farmers were educational level, farm size, off--farm income and distance from bank. The recommendations proffered were needed to ensure farmers’ access to educational programmes, land for genuine farmers and off- farm activities.