The study assesses the effects of labour scarcity on rice production and yield in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Survey research design was adopted; with a population of 5125 registered smallholder rice farmers, out of which 371 respondents were sampled using the multi-stage sampling strategy. The questionnaire was then used to collect data from the sample. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS 20.0) from which simple frequencies and percentages were presented in tables and graphs to answer the research questions. Findings indicated that scarcity of labour for rice production is caused by Farmers/Herdsmen clashes, migration due to improved education; preference for other rural jobs, drudgery of farm activities as well as lack of basic social amenities in the rural areas. The findings also revealed that labour scarcity affects rice production and yield adversely in the study area as it leads to poor rice yields, smaller sizes of rice farms, poor income, preference for other crops as well increased poverty levels.

This study assessed the coping strategies of small holder rice farmers in the face of agricultural labour challenges in Guma local government area of Benue state, Nigeria. Literature was reviewed to ascertain the results of other scholars across the globe on the various strategies that farmers have used to cope with the challenge of labour scarcity in agriculture. This study adopted a survey research design with a population of 5125 small holder rice farmers, out of whom 371 respondents were determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. These respondents were sampled using a multi-stage sampling strategy (simple and purposive random sampling techniques). Pre-tested and well structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 26.0); frequencies and percentages derived were presented in tables and a bar chart. Study findings indicated that the farmers adopt coping strategies such as the intense use of family labour; increased use of chemicals; preference for other crops (such as cassava, sweet potatoes and vegetables); importation of labour from other regions; marrying more wives and leasing out fadama (swampy and fertile) land. The study concluded that, the coping strategies adopted are not viable and sustainable in the 21st century; and thus recommended that the task of overcoming agricultural labour scarcity must not be left in the hands of the rural farmers alone; all stakeholders must be actively involved in finding sustainable coping strategies which must include mechanization of farms.

Aims: This study examined the marketing challenges faced by cashew farmers in Kombo South District of The Gambia. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the challenges faced by cashew farmers and to identify ways of mitigating them in the study area. Study Design: Descriptive research design. Place and Duration of Study: The was conducted in Kombo South District of the Gambia between June and August, 2020. Methodology: The study included all male and female farmers within the ages of 18-75 years in the villages that constitute the Kombo South District in the Gambia. A sample of 384 cashew famers was selected from a population of 9318 farmers using Taro Yamane formula. Results: The findings of the study revealed that majority of farmers are affected by unstable domestic market prices of raw cashew nuts, lack of market information, poor road networks, large number of middlemen, lack of modern packaging materials, inadequate storage facilities, weak or no cashew farmer organizations, and the presence of pest and diseases. Conclusion: The study, therefore recommended that the government and other relevant stakeholders should help in providing timely market information especially with regards to current prices of raw cashew nuts, rehabilitation of road networks and telecommunication systems to allow farmers to verify prices or sell in better markets, provision of modern packaging materials, adequate storage facilities and trainings on formation and management of farmer organizations will be vital for cashew farmers.

This study examined the effect of market channels and prices on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers in Kombo South District of The Gambia. The objectives of the study were to ascertain include the types of market channels and their impacts on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers. A sample of 384 cashew famers was selected from Kombo South District using Taro Yamane formula. The findings of the study revealed that the main actors in the cashew market channels were wholesalers and retailers who serve as middlemen and they impose prices on the farmers. The findings also indicated that majority of the farmers sold their raw cashew nuts at a low price in 2020 than the previous year. The findings indicate that highlighted that market channels dictate prices and therefore affect the income and livelihoods of farmers, and also cause loss of jobs in plantations. The study therefore recommended that Cashew farmers should form cooperative societies as this will be the easiest channel through which their predicaments can be heard, and other benefits such as insecticides, fertilizers, soft loans and even grants can be accessed. The government should assist farmers in seasons where international prices are very low to prevent poverty and hunger and value addition in cashew nuts should be a priority especially with Food Technology Services (FTS) of the Department of Agriculture (DoA).