An Analysis Of Guinea Worm Infection On Yam Productivity In Ibarapa Area Of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Guinea worm infection has been reported to be one of the external diseconomies factors that limit agricultural productivity of the rural farm households. The study examined the determinants of farmers’ vulnerability to guineaworm infection and the effect of guinea worm infection on yam yield in the study area. A stratified random sampling was used to select infected and non-infected farmers in the study area. Primary data covering study objectives were collected with aid of structured questionnaires and the data were analyzed by descriptive statistical tool, probit model and ordinary least square regression model. The results of the analysis revealed access to drinking water, location of the farm, level of education, contact with extension agents and preventive measures adopted as the significant factors that influence farmers vulnerability to guineaworm infection in the study area. The ordinary least square regression model result shows that guineaworm infection significantly distorts yam productivity of the infected farmers. Therefore, appropriate measures to abate the spread of guineaworm infection need to be adopted, in order to improve a resources productivity of the yam farmers in the study area.