The rising incidences of poverty among rural farming families are the reason behind renewed interest in income diversification. This study determined the level of income diversification; identified alternative income sources; examined the reasons for diversification; and identified the constraints to diversification. A three-stage random sampling technique was used in selecting 160 households on which a structured interview schedule was administered. Descriptive statistics, a Likert-type scale, and the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were used for data analyses. Findings reveal that 1.3% of the households had no additional sources of income while 40.6% had at least four. Trading (55%) and livestock keeping (40.7%) were the most popular alternative income sources. The declining farm income (mean = 2.96) was the primary reason for diversification, while poor rural infrastructure (mean = 3.04) was the most severe constraint to income diversification. Farm size, access to extension services, household size, age and educational level of the household head were significantly related to the level of income diversification at p < 0.05. The study concluded that the level of income diversification was high and influenced by socioeconomic characteristics of the households. It recommends that the government should provide adequate infrastructural facilities in rural areas. Farmer associations should also ensure better prices for agricultural produce through joint marketing.

The level of access of women to production resources can be enhanced through their active membership and participation in farmers’ associations. However, most farmer-groups in Nigeria are male-dominated. The study therefore analysed women farmers’ participation in farmer-group activities in Kwara State. Specifically, the study identified the expectations of women from group membership; determined their level of participation; identified constraints to participation; and investigated the determinants of participation. A two-stage random sampling technique was used to select 142 women farmers on which a structured interview schedule was administered. Descriptive statistics, Likert scale, and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Regression Analysis were used to analyse and present the data collected. The results revealed that the mean age, years of experience and farm size of the respondents were 46.9 years, 22 years and 3.2 acres, respectively. Access to farm credit (57 %), self-help (49.4 %), and farm input (31.1 %) were the most important expectations from membership. The level of women participation was low (mean = 2.87) and determined by age, years of experience and farm size at P < 0.05. Financial constraints, poor sense of belonging, inappropriate timing of activities and socio-cultural discrimination were the most severe challenges to participation. The study concluded that women participation in farmer-group activities was low, influenced by their socio-economic characteristics. Therefore, we strongly recommend a multi-dimensional approach to enhance women’s participation in group activities.

The failure of farmers’ associations in Nigeria has been linked to leadership incompetency. In this study we investigated the leadership training needs of executives of farmers’ associations in Oyo State. Specifically, we examined the importance associated with the leadership roles by the executives, investigated their competence levels and identified the constraints they face in carrying out their roles. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 195 respondents on which an interview schedule was administered. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Borich’s Needs Assessment Model and the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. The respondents were middle-aged (52 years) with an average of 26 years farming experience and seven years of farmer-group membership. About 66 % had no formal education. Only 36.9 % of the groups originated out of felt needs, 44.1 % of the leaders emerged by selection, and the average group size was 28. Although the respondents affirmed the importance of all the 15 identified leadership roles, their competence level in 11 of the roles was low. Areas of training needs identified include resource mobilization and control, and the establishment of linkages with major stakeholders in agriculture. At P < 0.05 some personal and group characteristics of the respondents were related to their training needs. Inadequate knowledge of the roles and poor cooperation of members were the most severe constraints to effective leadership of the associations. The study concluded that the leaders of farmer-groups in the state had training needs which must be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the groups.

Despite the nutritional and other advantages of cocoyam over some tuber crops, it remains neglected, underutilised, and non-commercialized in many parts of Nigeria. The study assessed the potentials for the commercialisation of cocoyam. Specifically, it assessed farmers’ awareness of the uses of cocoyam, level of cocoyam cultivation, farmers’ attitude towards its commercialisation, and the constraints to its commercialisation. Two-stage random sampling technique produced 154 respondents and an interview schedule was administered to collect data. Descriptive statistics and the multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results revealed that farmers’ mean age, farming experience and farm size were 53.9  years, 22 years, and 4.3 acres respectively. The level of awarenessof the uses of cocoyam was high (73.52%) and had an averagely positive attitude (mean score = 2.38) towards its commercialisation. Cultivation of cocoyam was mostly on a subsistence level among the farmers (97.3%). High susceptibility to pests and diseases (MS = 3.13) and a higher preference for other tuber crops (MS = 3.09) were the major constraints to the  commercialisation of cocoyam. Farmers’ age (β = –0.008), level of education (β = –0.046), household size (β = –0.012), and frequency of extension contact (β = 0.018) determined farmers’ attitude towards its commercialisation. The study concluded that the potentials for the commercialization of cocoyam was appreciable in the study area. Findings underscore the need for research on cocoyam pest and diseases control as well as breeding ofimproved varieties of the plant by National Root Crops Research Institutes. Key words: attitude, commercialization, neglected, under-utilized and cocoyam

The study assessed farmers' perception and knowledge level on dry season rice farming. Identified constraints to its practice. A two-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 131 respondents on which an interview schedule was administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson's Product Moment Correlation. Results reveal that the respondents were poorly schooled, mostly full-time rice farmers with a mean age of 49 years. Averagely annual income from rice farming was about ₦400,000 ($1,111). Respondents had a slightly high positive perception (MS=3.08) but low knowledge of dry season rice farming. Absence of irrigation facilities was identified as the major constraint to dry season rice farming. At p<0.01, knowledge level of farmers (r=0.241), and their farm sizes (r=0.268) had significant relationship with farmers' perception of dry season rice farming. The study concluded that although rice farmers in the study area had a slightly high positive perception of dry season rice farming, their knowledge of it was low. It recommends training of farmers on the agronomic practices involved in dry season rice farming.