Aug 2026· International Journal of Science and Research Archive· 0 citations
Abstract
This study aims to assess the level of income diversification among Yobe State small-scale farmers. Primary data was collected through a face-to-face survey-based approach through a multistage sampling technique, where 384 small-scale farmers were interviewed. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social science software (SPSS) version 26 for the descriptive analysis of the frequency distribution table, regression analysis and the Simpson Index of Diversification (SID) to test the study's aims and objectives. The results revealed that the respondents engaged in both On-farm and Non-farm livelihood diversification strategies. The overall SID of Non-farm diversification indicated that the respondents had a medium diversification index of 0.55, this primarily driven by participation in wage employment outside agriculture and self-employment. The on-farm diversification index was 0.30, indicating lower diversification than the Non-farm. This lower index is determined mainly by both food crops and cash crops. The study further revealed that small-scale farmers income diversification is influenced by the predictor factors of the farming operation system, average annual income in naira, age, farmland ownership, marital status, farm size, educational level, household size, and farming experience. The study concluded that the lower diversification index of On-farm could be due to the unpredictable risks associated with farming, making it less viable and turning farmers to off-farm activities as a means of coping strategies. And the Non-farm has a medium diversification index. This shows how important Non-farm is in stabilizing small-scale farmers' income and livelihood and signifies the potential risk facing the agricultural productivity in the study area.
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
This study was undertaken to estimate the financial profitability and to assess the factors affecting adoption of soybean production in Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts of Bangladesh. To collect primary data, a structured interview schedule was used to interview 90 farmers using stratified random sampling technique. A combination of descriptive, mathematical and statistical techniques were employed to analyze the data. According to the findings, 47 percent of farmers were small in farm size category. Financial profitability analysis shows that soybean production was profitable with benefit cost ratio (1.43). The logit regression model demonstrated that farmers’ education, farm size, farm income, extension contact, crop diversification practiced, and distance to market had a significant effect on farmers' decision to pursue soybean cultivation.The research findings also indicated that higher price of seed and fertilizer, low price of output and lack of transportation facilities were the major problems for input, production and marketing of soybean, respectively. Among all the problems, high price of seed and fertilizer had the highest problem confrontation index value (255) as first rank. The study recommended for ensuring affordable price of seed and fertilizers along with better infrastructure and transportation facilities to overcome the problems. Furthermore, government needs to implement subsidy scheme and assistance should be provided from the personnel of Department of Agricultural Extension to enhance soybean production in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 48(3): 293-305, September 2023
M. Uddin, SS Roy, M. Nasrin et al.· Bangladesh Journal of Agricu...· 0 citations
This study investigates the determinants of livelihood diversification among agro-pastoral households in Bero and Gorigesha Woredas, West Omo Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Primary data for this study was collected from 371 households, complemented by secondary sources. The analysis was carried out using both descriptive and econometric technique of analysis. Descriptive analysis revealed four main livelihood strategies; on-farm, on-farm + non-farm, on-farm + off-farm, and on-farm + off-farm + non-farm with the majority (36.66%) engaged in on-farm + off-farm activities. Further, the econometric analysis was conducted using a multinomial logit model (MNL), and identified age, education, family size, credit access, input use, saving status, distance from main road, cooperative membership, and risk management practices as significant determinants of livelihood diversification in the study area. Except for family size, which negatively influenced livelihood diversification, all factors positively affected engagement beyond solely on-farm activities. Furthermore, the results indicate that both socioeconomic and institutional factors shape households’ livelihood strategies. Enhancing diversification requires targeted interventions of concerned bodies which include improved access to credit, provision of agricultural inputs, promotion of saving practices, risk management training, and expanded educational opportunities. These measures are essential for strengthening household resilience, income stability, and sustainable development in the study area.
Mathiwos Kifle, Netsanet Gizaw· The Innovation· 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
Credit access is a critical enabler of livelihood diversification among rural households, particularly in resource-constrained and climate-vulnerable regions like northern Nigeria. This study examined the extent of credit access, major constraints, and their influence on livelihood diversification among 450 smallholder farmers in Kano State, Nigeria. Data were collected through a multistage sampling procedure and analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary logit regression, and the Simpson Diversification Index. Results revealed that respondents were predominantly male (81.1%), married, and middle-aged, with small landholdings and low monthly incomes. Farming remained the dominant livelihood activity, supplemented by livestock, poultry, and petty trading. Formal credit access was limited (31.8%), with most households relying on informal sources such as friends and relatives. The primary constraints to diversification were limited access to credit, high startup costs, and high input prices. Binary logit and other regression analyses confirmed that financial exclusion significantly hinders diversification efforts. The study concludes that financial exclusion remains the main structural barrier to livelihood diversification. It recommends expanded rural credit delivery, reduced borrowing costs, strengthened cooperative financing, and enterprise support programs to enhance household resilience and welfare in Kano State.
F. Abdulwahab, S. Abdullahi, M. Garba et al.· African Journal of Sustainab...· 0 citations
The study sought to determine the extent to which profitability mediates the relationship between government support for small scale farming (SSF) and food security.
The authors used the quantitative research method and the design was a cross-sectional survey. The study obtained the sample of the respondents from small-scale farmers in North East, North central and South West Nigeria using a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Convergent and divergent techniques served to assure of the validity of the instrument while composite reliability served as the reliability of the instrument. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling.
Results showed that government’s provision of subsidies for farm inputs and low-cost credits significantly influence the profitability of small-scale farmers and thus enhances food security. In addition, the profitability of farming mediates the relationship between government’s support for SSF and food security as the profitability of farming motivates people to farm with the expectation of profitable returns. The study makes a theoretical and empirical contribution to knowledge.
The first limitation is the restriction of the contributors to members of cooperative societies. The study relied on members of cooperative societies to ensure objectivity as well as to facilitate accessibility to farmers in the area. The non-inclusion of farmers that are not members of cooperative societies is a constraint. A third limitation was the non-availability of records, kept by local farmers, of their activities especially as related to government support. However, the farmers’ experiences and answers were instrumental in getting the necessary information.
Adequate provision of food will enhance food security and lead to zero hunger consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 2. This will help to eliminate frustration and the attendant social vices.
The integration of the theory of how government support for agriculture affects productivity and the theory of net farm exit to explain how government support for SSF contributes to food security. Secondly, although some of the extant studies imply profitability, this study is about the first to use profitability to mediate the relationship between government support for SSF and food security. Lastly, the proposed model of government support for SSF and food security provides useful insights that can contribute to policymaking for the enhancement of agricultural productivity.
H. Inegbedion, J. Olaghere, Joy Iember Khaki· Journal of Agribusiness in D...· 0 citations
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