Livelihood Outcomes of Agribusiness-Led Contract Farming among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria: Evidence from the Tomato Jos Out-Grower Scheme
Agribusiness-led contract farming has increasingly emerged as an important mechanism for integrating smallholder farmers into commercial agricultural value chains. This research evaluated the livelihood outcomes associated with participation in the Tomato Jos Out-Grower Scheme among smallholder maize farmers in Kaduna State of Nigeria. Purposive sampling method was used to choose 180 active farmers from a group of 600 registered out-growers. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data, which wasthen analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that most farmers are men (82.2%), own less than one hectare of land (96.7%), and rely on farming as their main source of income (72.8%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that farm size, land tenure, educational attainment, and income source significantly influenced livelihood outcomes among participating farmers. Taking part in the programme led to clear gains in crop yield, income, market access, and food security. Nevertheless, restricted access to credit persisted as the paramount limitation (97.8%). The study finds that contract farming led by agribusiness greatly improves the lives of smallholder farmers, but the results are different for people with different socio-economic backgrounds. Enhancing the efficacy of development initiatives requires policies that facilitate loan availability and secured land tenure arrangement.
This study aims to investigate the factors that influence smallholder rice farmers to participate in
contract farming in rural communities of Taraba State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was adopted
to select a sample of households engaged in contract farming; other secondary data were sourced
from relevant literature and reviews. Determinants of contract participation by farmers and
households were evaluated using descriptive and other relevant econometric models. Data on
socioeconomic characteristics, the operational constraints associated with various contract
models used by farmers accessed with the use of questionnaire were assessed using relevant
statistical tools. Data analyzed indicates that 70% of respondents were males and 30% females, a
reflection of the male dominance in contract farming in the study area. 62% of respondents adopt
the traditional or informal contract scheme popularly known in local parlance as badakaka while
38% are involved with formal agro-enterprises engaged in contract farming in the study area.
74% of respondents have large households comprising of between 5-10 dependents which is
suitable for contract farming in view of labor availability. 84% of respondents are not
knowledgeable enough to understand the technicalities involved with contract even though data
reveal that 91% are educated with a minimum of secondary education. 67% of respondents are
not members of any cooperative while 33% belong to cooperative groups. 97% report they get
supports from sponsor when they sign to contract farming arrangement. It is recommended that
government should be deliberate about strengthening social capital which is critical for
confidence building among citizens to belong to cooperative movements. Agricultural extension
services should be enhanced and harnessed to train farmers not only on farming methods but other
business strategies and adoption of modern technology especially as it relates to linkages and
networking.
Boniface Ibrahim Nuhu· International Journal of Agr...· 0 citations
The increasing vulnerability of smallholder maize farmers to climate variability underscores the urgent need for sustainable farming approaches that build resilience while sustaining productivity. This study examines the extent to which regenerative agriculture (RA) enhances the livelihood outcomes of smallholder maize farmers in Ghana’s semi-arid zone. A concurrent mixed methods design was used. The results revealed that majority of the farmers (59.7%) were aware of regenerative agriculture. Majority (93%) answered correctly that crop rotation helps to reduce soil nutrient depletion and control pests in maize farming. The most adopted regenerative agricultural practice among maize farmers was contour farming and terracing (Mean = 4.10). Adoption was significantly influenced by farm size and access to land at 5%. Engagement in regenerative practices had a statistically significant relationship with maize yield and household income, indicating a positive contribution to farmers’ livelihood security. The paired t-test shows significant increases in both income and yield after the intervention (p < 0.001). The study recommends key actions such as improving access to regenerative inputs, providing targeted financial support such as credit and subsidies, and strengthening farmer-based extension and peer learning networks to enhance knowledge diffusion.
S. N. Folikumah, E. K. Tham-Agyekum, G. K. Ndimbo et al.· Discover Agriculture· 1 citation
This study investigates the extent and determinants of livelihood diversification among integrated crop- livestock farming households in North-West Nigeria. The study aimed at assessing the integrated crop- livestock farming practices and analyse the factors influencing the livelihood activities of the farmers in the study area. The study used a multistage sampling procedure consisting of 3 states, 3 agricultural zones, 21 LGAs and 84 villages. Data were collected from 405 respondents through structured questionnaires andanalysed using descriptive statistics, the Simpson Diversification Index (SDI) and Tobit regression. Findings revealed a moderate level of livelihood diversification, with an average SDI of 0.58. Farmers engaged in diverse on-farm, off-farm, and non-farm income-generating activities, with on-farm income accounting for 66.66% of the total annual household income, followed by non-farm (23.57%) and off-farm (9.77%) sources. Tobit regression results showed that household size, gender of the household head, and access to credit were significant at the 5% level, respectively while education level and income from various sources were significant at the 1% level, all positively influencing livelihood diversification. Conversely, farm size had a negative and significant relationship, suggesting that larger farms often reduce the likelihood of engaging in alternative livelihood strategies. The study concludes that diversification is a critical strategy for income stability and risk management among smallholders. It recommends enhancing access to credit, promotingrural farmer education and improving rural infrastructure to sustain and expand livelihood diversification.
M. Abdullahi, M. Sulaiman· Agro-Science· 0 citations
Background:
Agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economy; however, despite its importance as a major vegetable crop, onion productivity in the country continues to lag behind global benchmarks.
Aim:
This study analyzes the determinants and interdependence of the adoption of multiple sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) by smallholder onion farmers in the Wamakko Local Government Area.
Methods:
A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 162 onion farmers. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an adoption index, and a multivariate probit (MVP) model. A multivariate probit (MVP) model was employed to account for the possibility that farmers simultaneously adopt multiple sustainable agricultural practices and that these decisions are interdependent.
Results:
The results show that onion farmers are predominantly within their economically active age group, indicating a strong potential for improved agricultural practices to be adopted. The adoption pattern further reveals that sustainable agricultural practices are implemented jointly rather than independently, suggesting that practices are complementary. The multivariate probit estimates indicate that the adoption determinants vary across practices. Age negatively influences the adoption of Organic Farming (OF) but positively affects reduced tillage. Household size is positively associated with the adoption of Integrated Weed Management (IWM), while education significantly increases the likelihood of adopting IWM. Farming experience positively influences Crop Rotation (CR) but negatively affects Reduced Tillage (RT). In addition, farm size shows a negative relationship with IWM, and total onion output is negatively associated with organic farming. These findings suggest that both human capital and resource endowment play an important role in influencing farmers’ adoption decisions, although their effects differ across practices. The model’s joint significance confirms the relevance of the explanatory variables, while the multivariate framework captures the interdependence of adoption decisions. However, these relationships should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects.
Conclusion:
The study concludes that farmer characteristics and the interrelated nature of SAPs strongly shape adoption patterns. It recommends strengthening extension services, improving access to inputs and credit, enhancing farmer education, and promoting youth participation to increase SAP adoption and narrow the onion production productivity gap.
O. Obalola, J. Wahab, Kazeem Aboaba et al.· Journal of Research in Agric...· 0 citations
This study examined perceptions of smallholder farmers on adverse effects of climate change and how they have impacted farming activities, so as to contribute to efforts of making smallholder farming less risk prone in Uganda. Based on post-positivism, the study applied a mixed study approach through a cross-sectional design to collect quantitative data from 384 smallholder crop farmers qualitative data from 3(n=21) farmers’ groups in Kibaale, Kagadi, and Kakumiro Districts, Uganda. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire and a focus group interview guide, and was analysed using descriptive statistics, a Chi-squire test and Narrative analysis. It was found that farmers experienced; irregular rain fall, recurrent long dry spells, high temperatures, floods and hailstorms that altered rainfall patterns and reduced soil fertility. This confused planting, weeding and harvesting times, leading to low yields. This made it difficult for farmers to sustain farming activities, making smallholder crop farming, unpredictable, risky and unviable enterprise. Farmers also experienced insufficient food supplies and financial instability, which increased food insecurity and predisposed them to difficult livelihoods. Yet, smallholder crop farmers were helpless, continued being dependent on natural resources and rain-fed farming, increasing their vulnerability. Central government should mainstream farmer -adaptation services to climate change in all community development programs so as to increase community awareness and support. It should also empower Local Governments to coordinate the implementation of farmer adaptation to climate change activities. There is need to explore the role of indigenous knowledge and practices in predisposing and empowering farmers to understand and effectively manage adverse climate change conditions.
Ngonzi Wilson, Musinguzi Simon Peter, M. Sserwada· International journal of res...· 0 citations
Farmland access remains a key constraint for smallholder farmers in Nigeria, with increasing reliance on the land rental market. This study investigates the determinants of farmland market participation among smallholder farmers in Ogun State across different land arrangement types, socio-economic characteristics, and participation outcomes. Primary data from 150 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, bivariate logit model, and a problem ranking index. Result of the socio-economic analysis revealed that most farmers were above 40 years, with farming as a secondary occupation for many. Participation in the rental market was notable, with 58% renting in land and 41.3% renting out. Multinomial regression results showed that education significantly reduced the likelihood of choosing ownership (p < 0.001), communal (p = 0.056), and sharecropping (p = 0.009). Farm size positively influenced selection of ownership (B = 0.81, p = 0.001) and communal (B = 1.11, p = 0.004) arrangements. Bivariate logit estimates showed land size significantly reduced the likelihood of renting in (B = -0.84, p = 0.012) but increased renting out (B = 1.02, p = 0.018). Household size increased rent-in participation (B = 0.56, p = 0.031), whereas age significantly influenced rent-out decisions (B = 0.44, p = 0.022). The significant correlation coefficient (rho = 0.411, p = 0.008) indicated interdependence between both decisions. The findings reveal a dynamic farmland market shaped by socio-economic pressures and land scarcity. Land tenure arrangements, farmers' cooperatives, and land information services need to be strengthened to improve land access and rural productivity.
Q. Nafiu, W. Ashagidigbi, A. Ijaoba et al.· FUDMA Journal of Agriculture...· 0 citations