ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS AMONG ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife & Environment
Abstract
This study analysed the adoption of Agricultural entrepreneurial skills among arable crop Farmers in Kwara
State. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers; examined the level of
adoption of the skills disseminated; assessed the perceived effect of the adopted Agricultural entrepreneurial
skills, and identified constraints to the adoption of the skills. A four-stage sampling procedure produced 165
arable crop Farmers on whom an interview schedule was administered. Data collected were analysed using
descriptive statistics and the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. The results show that the respondents’
mean age, household size, farm size and years of farming experience were 45 years, seven persons, 2.72ha,
and 20 years respectively. The level of adoption was low (45%), and significantly influenced by age (r=-
0.323), household size (r= 0.306), level of education (r=0.255), frequency of extension visits (0.599) and
membership of farmer-groups (0.485) at P<0.05. Inadequate access to inputs, markets, and start-up capital
were the most severe challenges faced by the farmers. The study concluded that the level of adoption of the
skills was low and influenced by some socio-economic characteristics of the farmers. It is recommended that
stakeholders in the rural development processes should explore a multidimensional approach to resolve the
identified challenges. The frequency of extension visit should be increased, and farmer-groups strengthened
to play more visible roles in extension.
Description
Agricultural production and Entrepreneurship
Keywords
Agricultural entrepreneurship, Skills, Adoption, Arable crops, Agricultural Development Project