An analysis of social status and social participation of farmers cultivating soybean in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the socio economic status and social participation of farmers cultivating soybean in Kwara State, Nigeria. Their social status was determined and the relationship between these characteristics and adoption of soybean were explored. From a sampling frame of 1800 farmers, three hundred soybean farmers were selected, using a simple random sampling. The result shows that 34% of the respondents are leaders of different social organizations with a mean income of N6,809 per annum. Majority (60%) of the respondents have low socio-economic status, 59 percent are involved in agricultural related organizations, 35 percent were members of non-agricultural related organization while 50 percent were members of cooperative society. The farmers' characteristics are highlighted in the paper for proper consideration in building an effective extension system.


Key Words: Social status; social classification; farmers; soybean


Moor J. Agric. Res. Vol.4(1) 2003: 149-156