DETERMINANTS OF CROP DIVERSIFICATION AMONG CROP FARMERS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

• Y. Adebiyi

  Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

  Author

• O. Akinnagbe

  Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

  Author

• T. Ige

  Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

  Author

• O. Olalekan

  Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

  Author

The study examined the determinants of crop diversification among crop farmers in Ondo state, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting the respondents for the study. Data were analysed using frequency and percentage, mean score, chi-square and ANOVA. The study revealed that cassava, maize, yam and plantain were the major crop planted by the farmers and there was increase in output over the years (2013-2016). The study revealed that adequate finance, rainfall, health of the farmer, number of farm plot were the major determinants of crop diversification. It was observed that those that ventured in production of various crops have better income earning opportunities, good standard of living, and were able to cope with the effects of climate change, pests and diseases better. The study also identified several constraints such as inadequate capital/fund, pests and diseases, high cost of labour, high cost of inputs, inadequate access to hybrid seeds, pesticides and fertilizer among other. From the study, there was no significant association between selected socio-economic characteristics and effect of crop diversification on farming activities of the respondents. Efforts by government and development partners towards agricultural production in the study area should focus on crops grown in the area which includes cassava, maize, yam, plantain among others. Adequate market should be provided for these produce to reduce middlemen exploitation and to increase farmers’ profitability.

1. Y. Adebiyi, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

   Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

2. O. Akinnagbe, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

   Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

3. T. Ige, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

   Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

4. O. Olalekan, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

   Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Corresponding

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