Micro-level assessment of vulnerability to climate change creates basis for policy formulation. The study specifically ascertained the levels and determinants of vulnerability to climate change among selected food crop farmers. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square regression analysis. The result revealed that 15.95%, 68.97% and 15.08% of the households were highly vulnerable, moderately vulnerable and less vulnerable to climate change respectively. This implies a varied effect on crop farmers. The result also showed that amount saved, extension contacts, household expenditure and value of crop were significant at 1% level. The study recommended the provision of basic amenities and soft loans to farmers as well as an improvement in extension services. It also advocated the introduction of effective climate change mitigation and adaptive measures to boost agricultural output in their area.

This paper analysed the technical efficiency of rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It specifically analysed the levels and determinants of technical  efficiency. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for sample selection. A total of 150 well-structured questionnaires were distributed but only 91 were returned. The Cobb-Douglas production function model was used to predict the farm level technical efficiency. Results from the Cobb- Douglas Regression showed a sigma square (σ2) of 0.06584 which was statistically significant at 1 percent. The technical efficiency scores among the rice farmers ranged from 0.012 to 1.000 with a mean of 0.350. Farm size, quantity of rice seedlings, quantity of fertilizer and quantity of  agrochemical all were showed positive correlation with coefficients of 0.93511, 0.08310, 0.11200 and 0.14345 respectively while farm labour showed  a negative correlation with technical efficiency. The determinants of technical inefficiency were age, household size and extension visits. This paper advocates the strengthening of existing extension system for timely sourcing of highly improved rice varieties and subsidized fertilizer. There is the need to enhance farmers’ technical efficiency through adequate training on optimum input mix. Keywords: Rice production, technical efficiency, cobb-douglas production function

Article HistoryFarming risk is a security challenge that reduces the actual outcome from farmers expected outcome. Predominant farming risk is the reason for deviations from planned production in Imo State. Food supply gap becomes reduced if the farming risk associated with vegetable production is reduced and the effect on output increased through this study. A total of 152 farmers from 10 communities across three (3) local government areas of Orlu agricultural zone were used for data analysis. Data were obtained using a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric tools. Majority (98.7%) and (94.7%) of farmers planted fluted pumpkin, bitter leave respectively in a mixed cropping pattern to withstand risk and security challenges with 96.7% and 95.4% of them adopting correct planting distances and soil fertility amendments as copping strategies. The perceived risk intensity equation showed the linear model as the best fit with F-statistics of 15.182, greater than its tabulated value of 4.689 at p ‹ 0.05 critical value, hence the lead equation. The model has only 5 significant explanatory variables at p ‹ 0.05 with a co-efficient of multiple determination of 0.697, implying that 69.7% of the total variations in perceived farming risk intensity in vegetable production in the area were due to the included explanatory variables. Farmers perceived risk intensity increased significantly by 0.212%, 3.60% and 0.735% with a unit increase in farmer's age, access to credits and household size respectively but decrease significantly by 5.87% and 2.6X10-6% with a unit decrease in risk mitigation measures and income at p ‹ 0.05 critical levels. Intensifying risk mitigation measures and encouraging younger vegetable farmers in vegetable production in the area can reduce farming risk in the area.Contribution/ Originality: This study documents that perceived risk intensity of farmers engaged in vegetable crop production can be reduced or eliminated through the adoption of adequate risk management strategies which enhances the profitability and output of the farmers thereby engendering food security among household farmers in the area.

The preference for cash-less transaction by Nigerians cannot be exaggerated, but despite its patronage, there exist limited access and utilization of the cash-less technologies among farmers in South-East Nigeria. The study analysed the determinants of rural farmers' preference for cash-less transactions in Imo state, South-East Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selection of 100 farmers for the study. The determinant of rural farmers' preference for cash-less transactions in Imo State, was achieved using logit model. The result of the analysis showed that age (5%), gender (10%) education levels of the farmers (1%), user friendliness of technologies (5%), transaction charge (5%) and security of transactions (5%) were found to be the major determinants of farmers preference for cash-less transactions based on their levels of significance. Centred on the findings, the study recommended the strengthening of the use of cash-less transaction by farmers by providing a favourable financial environment through better orientation programs, so as to enable a smooth transition from a cash-based economy to cash-less economy.

The study analysed the consumption of liquefied petroleum gas and its determinants as a prospect for indiscriminate tree harvesting in Imo State, Nigeria. A total number of 96 questionnaires were distributed but only 90 of them were returned. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Result shows that the weekly fuel wood and liquefied petroleum gas consumed by the households in the study area were 514.326MJ (37.27KG) and 65.92MJ (1.43KG) respectively. The result also identified indoor pollution, eye defect and loss of biodiversity with weighted means of 2.64, 3.00 and 2.67 respectively as very serious problems of fuel wood use. Result showed that clean fuels (as well as afforestation), ethanol cook stove, crop residue/animal dung and solar/water energy sources which ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively were the major prospects for indiscriminate tree harvesting in the study area. Results also indicated that at 1% levels of significance, price of liquefied petroleum gas, price of kerosene, household expenditure, household size and number of times electricity was available per month were the majordeterminants of liquefied petroleum gas consumption in the study areas. Given the urgency of the clean energy access, the paper recommends that relevant stakeholders should prioritize efforts and financial supports geared toward the alleviation of the problems of indiscriminate tree harvesting. It also advocates for LPG subsidization to encourage more users of the fuel. Keywords: Indiscriminate wood harvesting, loss of bio-diversity, clean energy