This study analyzed the economics of millet marketing at Laranto (Katako) market in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state. A purposive and random sampling technique was used for this study to select 60 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using the following analytical tools; descriptive statistics, Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), marketing margin and efficiency and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis. The result of the study revealed that most (87%) were male, the mean age was 41 years, 78% were married, most(55%) had primary school(≤6 years) education, most(47%) of the respondents had marketing experience of between 15-29 years, 63% had access to market information, and 47% were retailers/farmers. The marketing margin (profit) and efficiency were estimated at ₦3,650 and 0.34 respectively. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) estimate was 4,850 which is an indication of market concentration. The estimate of the coefficient of multiple determination (R 2 ) was 0.727, suggesting that 73% of the variation in the marketing margin of millet grains was accounted for by the variables in the regression model. The coefficients of marketing experience (0.087), market information (0.254), quantity supplied (0.642) and marketing costs (-0.488) were statistically significant at 5% level. The significant constraints associated with millet grain marketing identified by the respondents were; inadequate capital (91.7%), high marketing cost (83%), price fluctuation (80%), and poor storage facilities (75%). Based on the findings of this study, policy actions should be channeled towards ameliorating these constraints to improve profitability and reduce marketing costs in millet grain market chain.

Catfish farmers are facing new barriers in both their production and returns on investment. Despite its potentials, the level of fish production has failed to meet domestic demand. This study aims to analyze the determinants of catfish production so as to boost the level of farm productivity and profitability. Random sampling techniques were employed in selecting the respondents for this study. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and multiple regression analysis were the analytical techniques employed. The results indicated that most (58.3%) were within the age bracket of 20-39 years; 63.3% were male; most (75%) used organic fertilizer; 45% had no access to credit; most (75%) had formal education; 83.3% used earthen ponds; 83.3% were married; most (58.3%) had household population of 1-5 people; 66.7% had farming experience of 1-5 years; 75% hired labour; 91.7% had no access to extension contact; 58.3% had pond size of 1-400 sqm and most (58.3%) had stocking density of 1001-2000 fingerlings. The net farm income was ₦433,000/400sqm. Also, the estimated fixed and operating ratios were 0.43 and 0.67 respectively, while the benefit- cost ratio was 1.67. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.839, hence 84% variation in the output is attributable to variables included in the regression model. Furthermore, the constraints identified affected catfish production in the study area. However, improved access and supply of feeds, credit, technology, market linkages, extension services, input subsidy, cooperative formation and training are strongly recommended.

This study analyzed the determinants of microcredit disbursement to rural farmers from Abia State University Microfinance Bank, Nigeria. Snowballing and simple random sampling techniques were used in the selection of the beneficiaries. The data generated was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model. The study revealed that most (76.5%) of the beneficiaries were male with mean farm holding of 0.8 hectares. The mean age of the beneficiaries was 37 years. The mean annual farm income of the beneficiaries was ₦194,500. The beneficiaries had a mean value of 2 years' experience with microcredit utilization. Most (37.50%) of the beneficiaries had secondary school education. Most (99.4%) of the beneficiaries completed their documentation requirements. The estimated mean volume of microcredit received in the study area from ABSU microfinance bank was ₦43,000. The result also indicated that most (46.9%) of the microcredit loan applications were for the purpose of crop production only. The estimated value of the coefficient of multiple determination (R 2 ) was 0.693 implying that 69% of the variation in microcredit received by the beneficiaries can be explained by the combined effect of the independent (explanatory) variables included in the regression model, while the remaining 31% was as a result of excluded variables and error considerations. The study also revealed that farm income records, microcredit utilization experience, level of education and complete documentation are the key criteria recommended for microcredit loan applications.