Factors influencing farmer participation in maize production in Kaduna Sate, Nigeria

Abstract

Maize production in Kaduna State is the result of the decision of many farmers working under different environments with different motivations. Several policy instruments and other factors affect their decision to produce this crop. Using the double hurdle model and data from 600 farmers, this study analysed the factors influencing farmers’ participation and intensity of participation in maize production. Results showed that 66.33% are into maize production as their main source of livelihood and 52% are seasonal farmers with an average farm size of about 2.08ha. The decision to produce maize is significantly determined by quantity of seeds, farm size, labour and amount of credit (P<0.01), and fertilizer (P<0.05). In terms of factors that affect the intensity of maize production seeds, farm size, years of farming experience (P<0.01) and amount of credit (proxy for access to credit) (P<0.10) were found to be statistically significant. Based on these findings it is clear that maize production remains a source of livelihood to majority of farmers where its production is predominantly rainfed. Both institutional and non-institutional factors of production affect farmers’ decision to produce maize as well as the intensity or quantity he or she will produce. Therefore, to achieve double base maize production and an incentive for farmers to produce maize, policy makers must pay attention to timely and availability of these factors of production (seeds, fertilizer and credit). Private-public partnership by organizations dealing with agricultural inputs, developmental agencies as well as farmer-based associations, cooperatives, and societies can improve the intensity of maize production through contract farming and produce buying centres.