DETERMINANTS OF PARTICIPATION IN CONTRACT FARMING AMONG POULTRY FARMERS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Factors that determine participation in poultry contract farming in Kogi State were examined in this study. It utilized primary data collected using a structured questionnaire. Multistage sampling technique was employed for a sample of 120 respondents. Data were analysed using Descriptive Statistics, Logistic Regression and t-test of mean difference. The findings showed that majority (64.17%) of the respondents were male, majority (81.67%) had formal education, majority (84.17%) were married, majority (91.67%) do not have access to credit, most (90.83%) did not belong to any co-operative society and majority (92.50%) of the respondents had no access to extension services, mean age was 45 years, household size was 6 persons and mean farming experience was 16 years. Age, marital status and access to extension services were the fundamental factors that determine poultry farmers’ participation in contract farming. The mean income of contract farmers was N 346, 044 while that of non-contract farmers was N317, 511. The probability value of t (0.0015) being less than 0.05 alpha level showed that there was a significant difference between the incomes of contract and non-contract poultry farmers in the study area. Government should ensure that extension personnel visit the poultry farms and provide extension services to the farmers. This will result to expanded farm size, production and management efficiency. Formation of more co-operative societies by the poultry farmers in the study area is recommended. Such informal credit institutions among farmers give them easy access to credits and also enhances circulation of credible information among farmers.