International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 7 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Socio-economic determinants of on-day site demand for recreation in old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

Luke O. Okojie¹* and Amujo B. T²

¹Department of Agriculture Economics and Farm Management, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

²Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria.

Accepted 14 January, 2019

Abstract

This paper examines the socio-economic determinants of on-day site demand of a national park in Nigeria. The services provided by the park include recreation that correlates positively with stress removal and enhanced productivity. These are not properly understood and appreciated by the people. Neither are the environmentally sound and sustainable development functions it provides. Purposive sampling technique was applied in selecting the respondents and data were collected with a well structured questionnaire. The on-site individual observation travel cost method and count data distributions were applied in estimating the on-day site demand equation. The very active age classes, male gender of middle class income who are highly educated constitute the tourists to the park. The average length of days spent in the park was two and the preference was for booked chalet accommodation rather than open camping. The on-site day recreation (number of days spent in the park) has a negative and significant relationship (p<.01) with recreation cost. Educational level attained has a positive and significant relationship (p<.05) with the number of days spent in the park. Age and income though negative and not significant did not agree with the logic of the elderly and the rich having more tendencies to seek recreation. Infrastructural facilities that will reduce recreational cost and free and functional education need to be put in place. In addition is massive awareness campaign that emphasizes the positive benefits of recreation that engenders good health, enhanced productivity and well being of the environment.

Key words: Socio-economic determinants, on-day site demand, travel cost method, count data distributions, recreation.

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 7 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Determinants of informal savings amongst vegetable farmers in North West Region, Cameroon

Bime MJ¹* and Mbanasor J²

¹Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, B. P. 222 Dschang, Western Region, Cameroon.

²Department of Agricultural Business, Faculty of Agricultural Business and Management, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.

Accepted 28 September, 2018

Abstract

The study was aimed at determining the socio-economic determinants of informal savings amongst vegetable farmers in the North West Region, Cameroon. Savings and savings mobilization in any economy is undertaken by formal, semi formal and informal institutions. Possibly as a result of this poor bank distribution, one is able to clearly see how the region is highly dominated by the informal sector. Data for the study were obtained from 180 farmers with the aid of well structured questionnaires through a multistage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results obtained showed that vegetable farmers were on the average 36 years with average household size of 7. Average farm size of 0.5 ha cultivated indicates small nature of holdings. Results from the multiple regression analysis showed that interest paid, farm size, income, education and distance were positively significant while gender, age and household size were also significant and negative .This implies that all factors play a significant role in determining informal savings amongst vegetable farmers. It was recommended that farmers should be encouraged and enlightened on the need of savings as well as encouraged to form savings cooperatives.

Key words: Determinants, informal, savings, vegetable, farmers, North West Region.

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 7 (3), pp. 001-007, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Impact of risk attitudes on poverty level among rural farmers in Ogun State

Ajijola S.¹, O. A. Egbetokun¹* and I. E. Ogunbayo²

¹Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, P. M. B. 5029 Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

²Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 2 September, 2018

Abstract

This study examined the impact of risk attitudes on poverty level among rural farmers in Ogun state. Data used were generated from a farm survey involving 120 farmers randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Analytical tools used include descriptive, risk behavioural model (safety-first principle), Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) model and Probit model. The findings revealed that majority of the responding farmers were male (65.8%). The average age of farmers was 49 and 23 years respectively. The average household size was 6, while educational status was very low, as 47.5% had no formal education, while 33.3% had primary education only. The alarming result was that, not a single farmer insured his farm, while a handful was only aware of the activities of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Company (NAIC). FGT analysis showed that 40 and 60% of the farmers were poor and not poor respectively. Majority of the farmers were found to be risk averse as 117 of the 120 farmers fell into this category. Risk attitude or risk aversion has no effect on poverty level of farmers, but a direct relationship between the two was observed. Major sources of farm losses were found to be price fluctuation, pest and disease outbreak, illnesses, erratic rainfall pattern, changes in government policies and theft.

Key words:Risk attitude, poverty, rural farmers.