The study evaluates the effect of the socioeconomic variables and income on farmers risk attitude in Sokoto State. Data were elicited with the use of a structured questionnaire. The primary data used were obtained from structured questionnaire administered to 120 randomly selected farmers. Binary Logistic regression model was used in the analysis of data. The results showed that farmers' age, farm size and access to extension service significantly influenced the farmers' risk attitude. These were found to be statistically significant at (P < 0.05) level. The study therefore suggests that there is an apparent need for serious extension work to raise the awareness level of the farmers and to identify solutions to their problems as well as suggest ways on how such solutions can be achieved.

The study examined the comparative economic analysis of irrigated and rainfed spinach (Amaranthus cruentus) production in Minna metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from 120 randomly selected farmers using the purposive sampling technique. Production function model was used in the analysis of the data. The result showed that labour and farm size are the significant variables that influence spinach production output under the rainfed condition. On the irrigated scenario, labour, quantity of organic manure and quantity of improved seeds were the variables that influence the output of spinach production. It also revealed that there was over utilization of all the production inputs (i.e. labour, farm size, quantity of organic manure and the quantity of improved seeds) under consideration. Incorporating policy measures of efficient use of production inputs was suggested.

This study highlights the factors causing loan default among farmers in Kwara state. A total of 3100 agricultural loan defaulters (from the members of Kwara State Apex farmers’ cooperatives union) were obtained for this study. The study frame was stratified into four, based on the existing ADP zones. A proportionate sampling technique was used in selecting the 400 agricultural loan defaulters. Data collected with questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that high-interest rate was the reason why farmers default agricultural loan. The view of the agricultural loan desk officers was that miss utilization of loan causes default among farmers. It was concluded that interest rate, family commitment and delay in disbursement were the cause of default from the view of the farmers while miss utilization, political approach and change in business were the what causes default from the points of agricultural loan desk officers. To reduce the incidence of loan diversion, efforts should be made to monitor borrowers regularly so as to ensure they use the loan they received for the agreed and intended use. Getting regular account statement from borrowers and as well as regular visiting the borrowers' enterprise can also enhance this.

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