Agwu et al
Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 2 (8), pp.392-397, December 2012
ISSN: 2276-7770
Research
Paper
Manuscript Number:110112200
Socio-Economic Determinants of Commercialization among Small Holder Farmers in Abia State, Nigeria
N.M. Agwu, C.I. Anyanwu and E.I. Mendie
College Of Management Sciences, Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
Corresponding Author’s E-mail: namak71@ yahoo.com
or agwu.nnanna @ mouau.edu.ng
Abstract:
The general objective of the study is to analyse the socio-
economic determinants of commercialization among smallholder
farmers in Abia state, Nigeria. The specific objectives of
the study are to: (i) examine the level of commercialization
among the farmers (ii) estimate the determinants of
commercialization among the smallholder farmers in the study
area; and make recommendations based on the findings.
Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for this study.
First, two local government areas were selected from each of
the three agricultural zones. From these local government
areas, three communities were chosen. Finally, a random
selection of twenty farmers was selected each from the three
communities, bringing a total of one hundred and eighty
(180) farmers / respondents. Primary source of data was used
for the study. This was actualized with questionnaire
administered to the already selected respondents. Enumerator
who had already been trained assisted in the distribution
and collection of data. Objective (i) employed household
commercialization index (HCI), while objective (ii) was
realized using multiple regression. The result of the
commercialization index showed that among all the crops
studied none attained a ratio above 30% . Cassava had the
highest ratio of 29.58% . This was followed by maize having
a ratio of 24.02% . Sweet potatoes came third with the ratio
of 19.06% , while cocoyam and water yam was fourth and fifth
respectively with 13.79% and 13.55% . This implies that
there is a low level of orientation towards cassava
commercialization in the study area. The coefficient of
household size, income, farming experience, farm size,
distance to market, membership of society and access to
credits, were all significant at various probability levels
and with different signs influencing commercialization in
the study area. It is therefore recommended that markets
should be created where none exist. Support to facilities in
storage, business management capacity building, packing and
processing should be provided. Furthermore, interlocked
transaction institutional arrangement model is recommended.
Keywords: Commercialization, commercialization index,
determinants, socio-economic
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