The need to improve the productivity and subsequently the local production of rice to reduce the huge wage bill expended on the importation of rice necessitated this study. The factors that determine the productivity level achieved by the rice farmers were assessed in this study. Structured questionnaire was administered to 120 randomly sampled rice farmers from Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun State.Results of the study reveal that majority of the respondents cultivate the improved version of the local variety, which is Ofada OS6. They also cultivate small farm holdings and they are knowledgeable in seed identification and sowing, fertilizer identification and application, as well as intercropping of rice with other crops. However, their knowledge in herbicide use is low, indicating their low use or wrong use of herbicides.Productivity level of most of the respondents is low, while factors that determine their productivity level are farm size, knowledge of improved practices, quantity of labour used and respondents' level of education.

Summary Over the years, provision of extension and advisory services has been the main thrust of both the public and private extension services in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the lead farmer extension approach has been deployed for cost effectiveness, broader reach and sustainability. The utility value of this approach needs to be empirically established. This study therefore examined the extent to which the approach has achieved the intended objectives among randomly sampled maize farmers in Iseyin and Saki-West Local Government Areas (LGAs). Interview schedule and focus group discussion among farmer groups were used for the study. Lead farmer extension approach was cost and time effective vis-a-vis the number of farmers reached and the achieved outcome. Almost 70% of the lead farmers encountered late arrivals and impatience from group members during step-down training activities while all of them complained of insufficient funds for refreshment. About 65% of the farmers engaged in selective adoption of the training items owing to various reasons. There was also a significant difference between the knowledge level of the lead farmers and their respective group members while the group members’ assessment of their respective lead farmers’ performance was high. The study concluded that this extension approach was effective and could serve to complement the efforts of extension workers in the state.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The study assessed how smallholder vegetable farmers are linked to formal markets in Lagos state, Nigeria. The study specifically described the socioeconomic characteristics of the smallholder vegetable farmers, ascertained perceived benefits from the linkage and constraints in linking smallholder vegetable farmers to formal markets. A random sampling technique was used to sample 120 vegetable farmers from Agbowa and Epe clusters. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The results revealed that smallholder vegetable farmers were relatively young with mean age of 41.5 years, mean household size was 4 persons and they mainly sourced information from friends and fellow farmers. The findings also revealed that the smallholder vegetable farmers had strong linkage with input suppliers (x̅ = 2.50), International Fertilizer Development Center (x̅ = 2.33), World Vegetable Center (x̅ = 1.51) and Center for Inclusive Agriculture and Gender Development (x̅ = 1.46). Exposure to production technologies and specialized training (x̅ = 4.69) were the most perceived benefits from the linkage. Level of linkage with farmers and other actors was constrained by lack of basic infrastructure (x̅ = 2.50) and inadequate credit facilities (x̅ = 2.06). The study also found a significant correlation between household size and level of linkages. The linkages arising from the arrangement had no doubt exposed the farmers to production technologies and market information. Extension agencies and relevant non-governmental organisations are implored to offer specific trainings to vegetable farmers on value addition to enhance their participation in the formal markets.