TITLE PAGE

FACTORS AFFECTING AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN AGBA-KYAN

COMMUNITY OF KWANDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA,
BENUE STATE

BY

JIR SAMUEL AONDOHEMBA

BSU/SS/GEO/10/8849

BEING A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

GEOGRAPHY, BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE (BSc) DEGREE
IN GEOGRAPHY.

DECEMBER, 2014

APPROVAL PAGE
This project has been written by Jir Samuel Aondohemba carefully supervised and accepted as
being of the required standard in partial fulfillment of the requirements for then award of
B.sc. (Hons ) degree in geography in Benue state university, makurdi.

-----------------------------------

--------------------------------

Mr. Abawua J.I

(Project supervisor)

Signature and date

------------------------------------

---------------------------------

Dr. Ortserga D.S

(Head of department)

Signature and date

------------------------------------(External examiner)

---------------------------------Signature and date

DEDICATION
This research work is dedicated to God Almighty whose grace sustained me in the course of
this study and to my humble mother Jir Caroline and my wife Blessing Jir for their physical
and spiritual support.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost. I would want to express my gratitude and therefore give thanks and
praise to the Almighty God for granting me health, long life, courage and strength require for
the successful completion of this noble work.
I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to various individuals and groups whose
singular and collective contributions have made this work a success.
I am grateful to my supervisor, Mr. Abawua J. for his constructive criticisms, suggestions,
advice and effort through also which this work has full materialized similarly; my gratitude
also goes to all the lecturers in the department of geography Benue state university Makurdi,
for their transfer or knowledge and guidance in course of this study.
I am indebted to my parents Mr. Jir Iorpuu my father and my humble mother Mrs. Caroline
Jir, who is my right hand and my good wife Blessing Jir who also understand with me in my
suffering in school and her children Bianca and Marian, a good friend of my Mr. Emmanuel
Abeikya with his family, Peter Kumaoron, Aper Mpuuga Ephraim my good course mate and
my late brother Mr Akaa Jir when he was alive during my year one and two.
My thanks also goes to my friend and colleagues among whom are Ukenongo innocent, my
uncle Isaac Iorpuu and those whose name are not mention here for lack of space.
Kudos goes to people who contributed spiritually in my academy work. More grease to
your elbows.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page---------------------------------------------------------------------------------i
4

Approve Page-----------------------------------------------------------------------------ii
Dedication--------------------------------------------------------------------------------iii
Acknowledgement-----------------------------------------------------------------------iv
Table of contents-------------------------------------------------------------------------v
List of tables-----------------------------------------------------------------------------xi
Abstract----------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background to the study-------------------------------------------------------1

Statement of Research Problem------------------------------------------------2

Aim and objectives---------------------------------------------------------------3

Research Questions---------------------------------------------------------------------------3

Significance of the Study--------------------------------------------------------------------4

1.6 The Scope and Limitation of the Study--------------------------------------------------5

1.7 The Study Area---------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
1.7.1 Location----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
1.7.2 Geology and Soil-----------------------------------------------------------------------------7
1.7.3 Climate--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

1.7.4 Relief ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

1.7.5 Vegetation and Drainage-----------------------------------------------------------------------8
1.8 Definition of Terms--------------------------------------------------------------------------9
1.8.1 Agriculture Development----------------------------------------------------------------9
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW:
2.1 Introduction-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
2.2 Factors Affecting Agricultural Development-----------------------------------------14
2.2.1 Land Tenure system-----------------------------------------------------------------------14
2.2.2.

Transportation

problems

-----------------------------------------------------------------------16
2.2.3.

Inadequate

Extension

Services-----------------------------------------------------------------17
2.2.4 Use of Rudimentary Farm Tools----------------------------------------------------------------18
2.2.5 Financial Problem----------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
2.2.6

Marketing

problems---------------------------------------------------------------------------------20

2.2.7 Problem of infrastructure------------------------------------------------------------------------21

2.3 Systems of Agriculture------------------------------------------------------------------------22

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction-----------------------------------------------------------------------------25
3.1 Types and Sources of Data---------------------------------------------------------------------25
3.2 Source of data--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25
3.2.1 Primary sources---------------------------------------------------------------------------------25
3.2.2 Secondary Source-------------------------------------------------------------------------------25
3.3 Data Needs------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26
3.4 Research Designs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------26
3.5 Study Population-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------26
3.6 Sample and sampling Techniques -------------------------------------------------------------26
3.6.1 Sample Size Determination--------------------------------------------------------------------27
3.6.2 Sampling Technique----------------------------------------------------------------------------28
3.7 Instrument for Data Collection-----------------------------------------------------------------28
3.7.1 Questionnaire-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
3.7.2 Oral Interview------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
3.7.3 Personal Observation----------------------------------------------------------------------------29
3.8 Method of Data Analysis-------------------------------------------------------------------------30

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND

INTERPRETATION

Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------31

4.1: Respondents Demographic Characteristics---------------------------------------------32

4.2 Demographic characteristics -----------------------------------------------------------------32
4.3.1 Effect of land fragmentation on agriculture--------------------------------------------35
4.3.2 Land fragmentation as cause of land dispute that affect agriculture
development. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------36
4.3.3 Disperse farm plots as a factor affecting agriculture----------------------------------37
4.3.4 Tools for farming activities-------------------------------------------------------------------38
4.3.5 Access to farm tools----------------------------------------------------------------------------39
4.3.6 Pest and disease as factors affecting farming--------------------------------------------40
4.3.7 Duration experience pests and diseases---------------------------------------------------41

4.3.9 Source of farmers, capital as a factor affecting agriculture---------------------------43

4.3.10 Road Network as a factor affecting agriculture----------------------------------------44

4.3.11 Accessibility of road network during rainy seasons----------------------------------45

4.4 Discussion of the Findings----------------------------------------------------------------------46

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND

SUGGESTIONS

Introduction---------------------------------------------------------------------------49

5.1 Summary--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------49
5.2 Conclusion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------50
5.3 Suggestions-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------51
References--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------52
Appendix---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------56

ABSTRACT
This project work carefully examines the major factors affecting agricultural development in
Agba-kyan community of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. The study also
reiterated both federal and state government efforts through programmes/policies, tailored
toward revamping, rejuvenating and re-awakening the sub-sector for optimum productivity.
The success as well as the failure of the efforts was look into. The need to generate agricultural
production data for effective evaluation, planning and decision making to enhance farming
enterprise was succinctly examined. Data collected through primary and secondary source
reveals that the provision of social infrastructural facilities to rural communities is
indispensible and significant in charging a course for the sectors development. Lastly, socioeconomic, cultural, political and technological defects are confirmed as the factors are
tantamount to the underdevelopment of agriculture in the study area and the nation at large.

10

LIST OF TABLE
NO OF TABLE

TITLE OF TABLE

Table 4.1

Showing the sex distribution of the respondents

Table 4.2

Showing the age distribution of the respondents.

Table 4.3:

Showing the marital Status of the respondents

Table 4.4:

Showing the occupation of the people.

Table 4.5:

Showing the educational attainment of the respondents

Table 4.6:

Showing effects of fragmentation on agriculture.

Table 4.7.

Showing land fragmentation as a cause of land dispute

Table 4.8:

Showing response relating to disperse farm plots as a .

factor affecting agriculture

Table 4.9

Showing tools used for farming activities in the area.

Table 4.10

Showing the farmers access to farm tools

11

Table 4.11:

Showing response relating to pests and diseases as

factors affecting farming.

Table 4.12

Showing the duration in which pests and diseased are

experience in the area

Table 4.13

showing the response relating to the low level of

financial status farmers as a factor affecting agriculture.

Table 4.14

Showing source of farmers capital as a factor affecting

agriculture

Table 4.15:

Showing response relating to road network as a factor

affecting agriculture

Table 4.16

Show accessibility of the road network during the rainy

seasons

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study
Agriculture is by far the most important economic activity in the world. It
engages two thirds of the world population. Agricultural economy is to a significant
extent influenced by human decision, distribution, movement and cultural traits. It
also bears the imprints of crop and livestock origins and the introduction and spread
of exotic crops (Agboola, 1979). Nigeria depends heavily on agriculture and majority
of Nigerians engage heavily in agriculture.
12

In Benue state, majority of the people engage in agriculture and this has really
earned Benue State a popular name, The Food Basket of the nation. Like other states
in the Middle-Belt, Benue has advantage to produce several kinds of crops for both
internal and external market because of its geographical position in Southern Guinea
Savannah that is favourable for tree crops, grains, and tuber/root crops production.
Benue state is the major producer of crops like yam, citrus, beni-seed, rice, sorghum
and maize. Others include cocoyam, cashew, mango, sweet potatoes, millet, beans,
cassava as well as groundnuts, ginger, and sugar cane.
In spite of these lofty efforts, the output and general development of
agricultural sector continue to decline due to corruption, general poor attitude of
Nigerians towards government projects, inadequate infrastructural facilities, poor
extension services, illiteracy, faulty conceptualization and understanding of the
programmes in achieving the set objectives. Akor (1985) opined that the
programmes(especially Green Revolution), avoided the central social problems
confronting the agricultural system and have tackled the problem of agricultural
underdevelopment in terms of its technical and infrastructural manifestations.

1.2 Statement of Research Problem

Benue State is one of the major agriculture states in Nigeria. Different species of
crops are produced all over the state, with other areas producing more, while others
13

produce less due to variations in the physical nature and differences in economic
factors favouring its production. In recent years, a number of factors have been
hindering the development of agriculture in Benue State in general and Kwande Local
Government in particular, such as land, labour, capital (farm inputs) and management
ability. This, Agba-ikyan rural farmers are faced with in other rural parts of Nigeria.
Rudimentary or subsistence farming coupled with lack of desirable farm data,
gave rise to low productivity and capital investments resulting to persistent food
insecurity in quantity and quality. Cases of food shortage and malnutrition, keep
increasing day in day out, thus triggered rural farmers to oscillate within the vicious
cycle of object poverty.
As a result of object poverty, peasant famers of Agba-ikyan Community, hardly
get their required farming output. There is low supply over excess demand of food,
this has induced domestic food prices beyond the reach of common man.

1.3 Aim and objectives

The aim of this study is to ascertain the factors affecting agricultural
development in Agba-Ikyan community of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue
State. In doing this; the following objectives are pursued.
i. To identify the effect of land fragmentation on agriculture development in the area.
14

ii. To assess the types of tools used by farmers.

iii. To determine the effect of pest and disease on plant and animals.
iv. To ascertain the financial status of the farmers.
v. To assess the type of access road used by farmers
vi. To asses the duration of rainfall.

1.4 Research Questions.

The following research questions were used as a guide to the study
i.
ii.

What is the system of agriculture practiced in the area?

What is the effect of pests and disease on agriculture production in the
area?

iii.

Are the storage facilities available in the study area adequately?

iv.

What inputs have been in use in the practice of agriculture in the area?

15

v.

How is the duration of rainfall in the area?

vi.

What is the level of access road development in the area?

vii.

How is the attitude of people toward agricultural innovations?

1.5 Significance of the Study.

This research shall be useful to policy makers especially agencies, departments
boards and ministries of agriculture among others within and outside the state. It will
enhance the proper management and conservation of agricultural land.
The study came at the right time where there is a clarion call for food security in
Nigeria. The study is expected to reveal the predicaments faced by the
rural farmers of Agba-ikyan Community. The identification of these factors will go
along way in helping the government, policy makers extension workers, programme
implementers, agriculture experts, farmers, and shall in furtherance, provide the basis
of finding workable solutions to the problems.
The study shall serve as the foundation upon which further research on this
theme, could be build. The future research and academia will use the work for
reference purpose.

16

Finally, and this study will contribute to academic knowledge and

educational development as research will also document as a useful background and
materials for the conduct of similar research as the study will offer some conclusion,
and recommendation on issues for further research.

1.6 The Scope and Limitation of the Study.

Geographically, the study closely examined the factors affecting agricultural
development, government efforts to improve the sector and the need to generate data
for effective

planning of agriculture production. Due to large spatial extent of the

study area, the research is confined to five (5) major rural settlements across the three
council wards of Agba-ikyan community namely: Mbakosu, Mbainyinge, Mbaikyan ,
Iwen I sha, Iwen I shin ward with the major objective of examining the problems
faced by the sector in the areas with a particular reference to Mbakosu settlement
areas.
Like every other operational concept, the research suffered issues such as
finance, time constraints, unreadiness on the part of respondents and difficult
traditional nature of the people in giving an unbiased judgments and assessment.
The inaccessibility of some rural settlements in the district coupled with
uncooperative nature of some people, due to illiteracy and complex, made the
generation of needed figures for primary and secondary data clumsy.
17

1.7 The Study Area.

1.7.1 Location
Agba-Ikyan community is located within Kwande Local Government Area
which lies between latitude 60 25 N and 70 10 N of the equator and Longitude 9 0 151 E
and 90 20E of the Greenwich meridian (Directorate of information 1992). It is located at
the extreme end of Nigerians boundary with the Republic of Cameroon to the East. It
is bounded in the South by Vendeiky

Local Government Area, in the West and by

Cross-River State. The local Government Area also shares a common boundary with
Taraba State to the East and North East.
Agbaa-ikyan community is occupying a total land area of about 120 square
kilometres, it is one of the communities in Naneev Area of the local government Area.
Agba-ikyan

community shares boundary with four Clans: Mbakosu in the North,

Mbainyinge in the South, Mbakuen in the East and finally Mbalumun in the West .

18

19

20

21

1.7.2 Geology and Soil

According to Nyagba, (1995), Kwande Local Government Area, falls within the
Kashimbila high land complex. This is a complex unit were there are much angular
plains with deeply incised valleys and very high relief. It is an area of basement
complex rocks. The hills here are up layers cut from the Cameroon Mountains.
The hilly nature of the place warranted soil or lithosils, with thin layers of less
than 10cm thick over hard rocks that occur in the hilly terrain areas of steep slopes.
These occur on the hills of Anwase town , Ikyogen town and Mondu hill respectively.
Sedimentary materials are also found in down hill sides in the low lying areas
as well as Fadama soils, which develop in recent alluvial deposits of major stream
flood plains. The soil consists of various thin layers of sediments of different textures
derived from varied parent materials. This is seen in the flood plains of

Amile

Uchuku and Amile Uvesen as well as Kwembe plain.

1.7.3 Climate
As part of Kwande Local Government Area, the study area falls within the
Middle belt region whose climate is Aw characterized by the tropical wet and dry
climates, according to Koppens classification scheme (Nyagba 1995). The area has two
seasons which are the wet and dry seasons. The wet season last for seven month
22

beginning from April to October, with a mean annual rainfall totals of between 14002200mm, while the dry season last for five months, from November to March. This
period also marks the time of severe Hammattan winds which blows across the
Sahara desert over the area.
Exceptional cases of rainfall are seen in January and March inform of organized
convective showers which form due to intensive insulation over the high land areas
such as Mondu Hill.

1.7.4 Relief
Relief is generally low lying (averaging 100m-250m) and gently undulating.
Here, the terrain is characterised by steep slopes, deep incised valleys and generally rugged
relief. Elsewhere, gradients average less than 4A.
And areas is made up of interfluves, broad open valleys and flood plains.

1.7.5 Vegetation and Drainage

Vegetation in the area lies in the southern Guinea Savannah. Persistent clearance of the
vegetation has led to the development of re-growth vegetation at various levels.
Drainage density, many of the streams are seasonal. Also, the permanent water table in
the area as a consequence of the thick overlying permeable meta-sediments and the great depth
which weathering has reached. Hence, there is ar acute water shortage in the dry season.
23

Temperatures are constantly high throughout the year averaging 28 0-300c,

though the monthly mean rise to as high as 38 0c in March and April. The levels of
related humidity are related to the levels of prevailing winds which approach 80%
during the rainy season and drop to 30% during the hammattan period (Nyagba).
1995
The area is having 413km and a population 100 per square metre.
Agriculture is the main source of income in the area.

1.8 Conceptual Framework.

Agricultural development is designed to increase food production and to raise the
income status quo of the rural dwellers, consequently the desirable

quality and

quantity of factors of farm production are highly demanded to achieve the objective.
Agriculture is regarded as a purposeful work through which elements of nature
are harnessed to produce plant and animals to meet human need; (Youdeowei, 1986).
Agba-ikyan is essentially an agrarian community and over 95% of the populace are
farmers, due to the very fertile land and general favourable environmental condition.
Crop production in large quantities includes rice, cassava, yam, groundnuts,
soya beans, tomatoes, guinea corn, maize, melon, benniseed among others.

24

Livestock also plays significant role in the economy of the area. Animals such as
pig, goats, sheep, cows, poultry (fowls, duck, pigeon, turkey) etc are reared by most
compound in the area for consumption and income.
The location of the area in an undulating plain of the savannah belt, has
afforded the people with diversified means of livelihood. The vast fertile land, and the
predominantly rural setting of the place accounts for why over 95% of the inhabitants
engaged in sedentary farming. Both

root; stem tuber and grains (legumes and

cereals) are extensively produced in the area. Blacksmithing, trading, fishing hunting,
and other forms of primary production are also carried out by the people.
The major religions practiced by [the people include Christianity and few
traditional worshippers.
Lastly Agba-ikyan is the most peaceful district in Benue State and remain the
only that has never engage in any communal conflict or land dispute with her
neighbouring communities.
According to Bhooshan (1980), development is the upward movement of a
system. Is meant to cover not only growth of economy but also improvement in the
quality of life and the movement towards the creation of an egalitarian society. He
further stressed that, improvement of income and the quality of life of the lowest
stratum of the society is a major concern of development.
25

Agriculture is the production of crops and the rearing of animal for man uses
Abayode and Ayida (1971). As a major source of livelihood in rural areas, agricultural
development is synonymous with rural development. Consequently, development in
agricultural sector invariably implies the development in the rural communities and
vice-versa Estimated, the sector occupies four-fifth of the rural economic population in
Nigeria, and the economic activities in the rural areas depended directory or
indirectary upon the exploitation of land which principally centred on crop farming
and cottage industry, and petty trading okigbo 91985).

26

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
The chapter covers a review of related literature on agriculture developments the
factors affecting agricultural development, efforts made by the government to improve
the sector, and the need to generate agricultural production data for easy planning and
evaluation of farming.

2.2. Agricultural Development.

Prior to the national independence in 1960, agricultural sub-sector was the
major source of income of the nation, but shortly after independence around 1965, the
sector started experiencing structural predicaments that need to be addressed. Suffice
it to say that economic, cultural, technological, political, administration, natural input
and management factor combined to worsen and accelerate the gravity of agricultural
problems that threaten its development and sustainability.
Agriculture commands two major functions that is the supply of food and raw
materials to man and industry respectively. It is also a source of income and
employment.

27

Oyakhilome (1985) in his study on tropical agriculture said that, Agriculture

include the rearing of animals and growing of plants that are useful to man. For man
to live, he farm in order to have something to eat. Agriculture is often referred to as
the backbone of the third world economy. There is no doubt that majority of Nigerians
depends on farm income for their daily needs.
According to Ogieva (1993), Agriculture is the art and science of cultivating the
soil, producing livestock feed, processing crops and selling excess crops and
livestocks. He stressed that, it is a deliberate attempt by man to cultivate crops, rear
animals, caring for them, for the benefit he will get from doing so. It also embraces
various preparations and processing of plants and animals products as well as the
disposal of these product through marketing them. Agriculture is significant, hence it
is the prime necessity of life and is the only sectors that provide food for the teeming
population inform of crops or livestocks products and the provision of income which
is the revenue an individual realizes from the sale of agricultural products such like,
groundnuts, cassava, yam and cotton.
Holding a similar view, Ileoje (1982) considered agriculture to embrace all those
productive occupations in which man works with nature in order to make his plants
and animals grow better so that they may yield products which he will harvest.

28

Considering the above background, it becomes clear that, agriculture needs to

be developed to meet the present food and raw material challenges of the country.

2.3 Factors Affecting Agricultural Development

A number of different factors can cause agricultural productivity to increase or
decrease. It is important to note that productivity is not an absolute measure, but
rather a reflection of the ratio between inputs and outputs. So a field that produces
twice as much corn as it did in a previous year is not necessarily twice as productive, if
the farmer spent twice as much on that field, the net change in productivity would be
zero.

2.3.1 Land Tenure system

Land is the most important factor of production and asset, required for the
production of crops and rearing of livestock. However, ownership of land posed a
damaging effect to agricultural development. It represents the right of people to own,
use and control land its resources. According to Akinyosoye (1976), Land is regarded as the
property of the community, and this makes individual ownership rare particularly in the rural
areas of West Africa.
All members of the community have some rights to the community land, but strangers and
those who do not belong to the community cannot hold any land permanently. Land can be
inherited, but acquisition is usually governed by the customary law of descent. This implies
29

that customs dictates how the land of the dead is to be shared among the children, brothers,
sisters, and relatives. These people usually guard their land jealously whether it is currently
exploited or not.
This development can cause the problem in agricultural production. Some people are
landless with resources and intention to farm while others who own large expanse of

land

have no resources or intention of farming. This dwindles agricultural production.

In Agba-ikyan community of land tenure system denies willing and enterprising young
farmers, especially strangers, of good farm land to mobilize their energies and resources as
freely as they would intend. Few powerful families in some cases, con trolls large tracts of land
while majority of the people remain landless and serves as labourers or tenants. According to
Idachaba (1991), when small scale farmers who are the major food producers in Nigeria are
allowed access to more land in order to boost food production, then sustainable food
production, then sustainable food production and supply is guaranteed.
The principle of equal sharing of land amongst heirs has a historical background both in
oriental and world. Lamenting on the situation in Benue State, lyam(995) listed three ( 3)
issues which have always regulated land use in the State thus:
i.

The density of population which has exerted a serious moderating influence on the
land use.

ii.

The subsistence economy supported by the custom or tradition of the people; and

iii.

The western civilization, supported by monetary economy. According to him, much

of

30

what, when and where crops should be grown is chiefly controlled by size and
tenureship of the distance of the farm from home and the ability of an individual to
mechanize or commercialize his farm operation, adding that left in the hands of
subsistence and monetary economies land use in the State continue to be disorderly in
Kwande Local Government Area including Agba-ikyan community

2.3.2. Transportation problems

The major problem faced by the
Rural farmers are the inaccessibility and seasonal nature of their road network. Most of our
rural roads in Nigeria are not passable during the rainy season due to the marshy and rough
nature of the region. Up till today, some villages are yet to be opened up, while some are cut
off from the National Road Network. Consequently, many of the food crops that cannot be
transported to market get spoilt in rural area Adetoro (1999).
The story is the same in Kwande region where almost all the feeder roads are either
inaccessible or seasonal due to their dilapidated nature. farmers are face with the problem of
moving their produce from farm to either home or market, resulting to wastage of perishable
produce and inter regional and inter seasonal price fluctuations are seriously experienced than
they would be with effect transport facilities, and incentive to switch from subsistence to
market production are often weak. Surplus produce posed the problem of conveying the
produce on the head or truck to either market or nearby road to be conveyed by vehicle that can
move them at exorbitant price to consumption centres. kelvin and Schreiber (1994), maintained
that women bear the brunt of the rural transport burden, because much of rural community

31

transport (water, fuel, farm inputs and farm produce) is done in the from of head loading by
women.
The situation is much felt in the area of study because farmers find it clumsy to convey
their produce to the market centers, this leads to food wastage in Kwande community, thus
decelerating the enthusiasm of investing more resources on the farm by the rural farmers,.

2.3.3.Inadequate Extension Services

According to Farquhar (1982), extension is defined as a service or system which
assist farm people, through educational procedures, in improving farm methods and techniques,
increasing production efficiency and income, bettering their level of living and lifting the
social and educational standard of rural life.
This implies that, agricultural extension is an educational assistance advice give by an
organization or individual who seeks to help particular farmers to identify and solve their
problems by themselves. It is created to fill cultural gap between farmers and extension
workers. The major objectives of extension service is to change the knowledge, skills and
attitude of the rural people in order to develop the frame of their mind and attitude towards
acceptance of new farm innovation and technology.
With the importance of extension service however, their services are grossly lacking in the
rural areas, especially in Agba-ikyan community were the researcher is born and brought up.
It is not exaggeration by saying that extension workers never visit any village in Agba-ikyan
area for the past twenty years.
Adams (1982) on the problem of extension service confirmed, that programmes are
usually planned and decision taken by senior staff who seem to be out of touch with local
32

problems and day to day difficulties facing the farmers and extension workers. There is barely
any need to back to the decision makers because the intermediate staff are reluctant to pass
information which might imply criticism of their superiors. Extension agents may be given
various non-agricultural as well and very little time is left for working with farmers.
Adeyi (1981) observed that, agricultural extension workers are few, only a few of
them get to rural farmers are not aware of their existence and functions and in most case the
presence of extension workers are not felt at all. Therefore farmers tended to regard extension
officers suggestions and advice as suitable implementation with government money and
therefore uneconomical for them to adopt.
Ahalu et al (1981) maintained that farmers in the agriculture cooperative, grouping farming
system and rural banking have more access to extension service than small scale or traditional
farmers.
In Agba-ikyan development made most of the farmers to be conservative and unwilling to
accept innovations which they do not seem to give them immediate gain. In end, they tends to
mistrust the application of basic farm inputs and new tools simply because they are unfamiliar
with; consequently, the Agba-ikyan people are victims of getting information on modern farm
innovations disseminated through government agriculture agencies like ministry of agriculture
and BNARDA and other related bodies.

33

2.3.4 Use of Rudimentary Farm Tools

The use of crude implements which do to supply power on the farm is more associated
with the sedentary farmers in Nigeria. The modern tools are more efficient, more productive
and yield higher output capacity with short possible time.
Ogbonna (1991) argued that farms are prepared with hand, hoes, axes, cutlass etc. the
planting is done by hands, crop are processed traditionally by manual labour and storage is
also done with a lot of labour . Agricultural practices are based upon practical experience of
farmers rather than on the modern scientific methods (like biotechnology) that are capable of
enhancing high yields.
Manshard (1974) added that the greatest proportions of equipments are in the hands of
the private and state large holdings and only a small percentage belongs to agricultural
societies. The great mass of small sacle farmers have to get along without tractors and other
mechanized equipment that will have production more feasible.
In Agba-ikyan, the use of traditional tools for farming is very high, this make farming a
drudgery, clearing cultivation, harvesting and transport are all carried out by manual labour
naturally contributing to low output per farmer.

2.3.5 Financial Problem

Farming is a capital intensive enterprise. But the sector is dominated by small scale
peasant farmers whose financial base is inadequate to expand their farms or lack necessary

34

collateral to access loan and other credit facilities from financial institutions to invest on their
farms in order to increase their production capacity, output and income,
Odoemenen (1998) identified lack of credit facilities as an important constraint to food
production and modernizing agriculture especially among the poverty ridden peasant farmers
who need cash credit to purchase farm inputs and to hire labour. Miller (1975) and Akin-Aina
(1993) decried that farmers can not afford to take loan from commercial bank s because of
high interest rates which sometimes go as high as 30 %; and such banks usually required
collateral from farmers who cannot afford . more so, their other property, apart from the farm
land , generally held in commercial ownership, is often too little in value of a type against
which it could be tough to enforce alien.
The peasant farmers of Agba-kyan community faced with the problem of accessing loan and
credit facilities from the commercial and financial institutions due to lack of collateral and their
poor nature could not afford them the opportunity. The development dwindles expansion of
farms and output among the rural farmers of Agba-ikyan.

2.3.6 Marketing problems

The activities of middlemen in the marking of farm products cause more harm than
good to the development of the sector .they set, regulate and control the marketing system to
the detriment of the poor farmers.
Accordin to Olayide (1992), farmer are caught in the web of high production cost and
relatively low producer process. in spite of rising prices of food in Nigeria, he observed that
farmers share of this price has been consistently lower because farmers are forced to accept the
price offered to their crops, and they have little or no control over the market forces for their
35

products. With the cost of farm labour and other inputs rising and subsidies from government
reaching only few farmers, profits are seldom matching with their efforts, hence only the
traditional farmers who have no access to any alternative jobs are left on the farm. According
to Akinsani(1975), the market of farm products in Nigeria is mainly in the hands of the
middlemen, which is a traditional and unregulated food marketing system.
More so, marketing channel like grading, storage centres, transport centres etc. have not
been well developed in Agba-ikyan of Kwande local Government Area. Poor infrastructural
facilities, roads, motor parks, hotels and ever information on the existence farm products or
service is grossly lacking and the greedy and unpatriotic middlemen, operating between
producers and consumers, create a serious problem with the marketing of agricultural products
which in turn, the local farmer get nothing to encourage him for further production.

2.3.7 Problem of infrastructure

The concentration of social infrastructure in the urban centres as electricity, portable
water, good roads, school and hospital etc. at the expense of rural communities, resulted to the
problem of youth migration from rural areas thus causing labour shortage on farm, citing of
cottage that require electricity and the smooth movement of people and their products or inputs
to and from the farm require good roads. Most storage facilities can not function without
electricity.
Idachaba (19085) observed that lack of basic infrastructural facilities in the rural area
caused the problem of rural-urban migration, inadequate storage facilities leading to mass
wastage of perishable farm products and lack of citing cottage industries which produce
market for agricultural products as their raw materials.
36

In Agba-ikyan, community all the big settlements except Mbakosu and koti-apera lack
electricity and other basic amenities to augment the agriculture sector. The result is the youth
migration, mass wastage of farm produce due to lack of storage facilities and of market for
agricultural products due to absence of cottage industries. This has gone a long way in
reducing the living standard of the populace; (Akor1999).
In the same vein, mbagunje (1991) said rural farmers in Nigeria are neglected. They suffer
from disease and are very poor. Rural infrastructure for better living like roads, water supply
and health facilities are highly undeveloped while in place where they exist, they are poorly
maintained. Electricity, storage facilities and processing plants that are essential for agrarian
economy are absent in most rural areas. This led to mass movement of the youth from rural to
urban centers in search of better jobs.

2.4 Systems of Agriculture

The history of the development of human race is closely related to that of
agricultural development. In his quest for food and shelter, man has adopted many
agricultural practices through the ages as his technical skills and material resources
grow. A large variety of physical and human factors has influenced the emergence of
different types of agricultural practices in various parts of the world.
These different forms of agriculture reflect the technology, physical
environment, crops type and custom. Some of the most outstanding systems of
agriculture are discussed below.

37

Shifting cultivation: This may be described as the natural rotation system. It

involves the continual movement of people in search of new lands to farm. The
natural vegetation around as cement is cleared for cultivation around and cropping
for between one and three years or until the yields fall. In this respect the character
of the soil determine the nature of the system. This quality varies enormously in
African soil. Indeed this largely accounts for the great range and variability of the
system of agriculture land use. In the study area, this system has ceased to exist
because of inadequate farmlands.
Bush fallowing: This is the type of agricultural system in which the farmer remains
fixed and only the cultivated field rotates. The system therefore entails the rotation of
cultivated land to allow the fallowing of exhausted plot of land. The length of the
fallow period varies from four to over seven years depending on the amount of land
available to the population. In the study area, (Mbagba kyan) this type of agricultural
system is embraced by the natives. However the fallow periods has fallen drastically to
level that the real practice is undermined.
Sedentary (permanent) Agriculture: This result from a further stage of
agriculture progress. It is associated with improved farming technology such as
crop rotation, fertilizers and seed selection with this development, farmers can
farm one plot for a long time, which also implies permanent settlement.
38

Sedentary agriculture is also associated with areas of high population pressure

on available land, especially where there is highly fragmented like the study
area. In this case, modern farming methods may not be adopted, as a result low
per capital income and food storage.
Terrace Agriculture: This form of agriculture is associated with hilly or mountainous
areas where people use sloping for agriculture. The system involves intensive
cropping as well as soil conservation techniques to stem the rapid rate of erosion. On
the shape, plots size is small but yields could be high depending on the nature and
origin of the mountain. Allan (1993) in his study, soil and the environment stressed
that cultivation on highlands or upland soils occurred as population increased, soil
erosion occurred, loss of nutrients and the consequential loss of crops.
Plantation Agriculture: This entailed the cultivation of crops on the large farms and it
is labour intensive.
Pastoral Agriculture: This involves the rearing of animals which can provide food.
Animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats are commonly grazed. In Africa, farming
rudimentary. However, the basic form of grazing is nomadic pastoralism. In the rural
communities, free hold system of livestock is adopted and these are threat to vegetal
cover hence the livestock are constantly grazing and thus arresting serial regeneration

39

which could expose the land surface paving way to environmental degradation of
various form (Allan, 1993)

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY.
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research Designs
The research will use survey design to determine factors affecting agricultural
development in Agba-ikyan community of kwande local Government. A survey
research is one in which a group of people is studied by collecting and analyzing data
from only few people considered to be representative of the entire group. Research
design includes proposals dealing with what data is needed, how it will be collected
and how the data will be coded (Gyuse, 2005).

3.2 Types and Sources of Data

This chapter discusses the methodology employed for the study and includes the
following; research design, the study population, sample frame, sample size, sampling
techniques, method of Data Analysis, data needs, source of data, instrument for data
collection and techniques of data analysis.

3.3 Source of data

In the process of collecting data for this research work, two (2) sources of data
were used. They are primary and secondary sources.
40

3.3.1 Primary sources

This includes data collected directly from the field by the researcher mainly for
the purpose of his work. Primary data for this research was collected through the use
of personal interview, observation and questionnaire. The data collected from this
source focused on social and demographic characteristics of the respondents,
population of farmers distance to the market as well as role of government in the
development of farmers in the study area. The procedure used are discussed in detail
under instrument of data collection.

3.3.2 Secondary Source

Secondary source yielded information from existing materials relating to the
topic that were gathered for different purposes other than the present one. The
material used includes text books, seminar paper, journal, and other unpublished
material.

3.4 Data Needs

This discusses the data needed for the satisfaction of the research question and
these includes, the threshold population of farmers, distance between one farm land
and another, means of travelling to the markets, accessibility of the farmers..

3.5 Study Population

The population to be used will be total number of farmers within the community
that constitute Agba-kyan which includes Mbakosu, Mbaikyan, Iwen isha, Iwen I shin,
and Mbainyinge. The number of farmers as reported by the records of Mbakuso
Development Association shows a total number of 328 farmers in the district.

3.6 Sample and sampling Techniques

41

This study covers the whole of Agba-kyan community of Kwande Local

Government as a target population. But due to lack of already comprehensive data,
the area covered, time availability and mobility, the researcher could not reach every
person within the study area, which comprises five communities. Therefore, in order
to have a sizeable and meaningful data for cogent research work, sound observation
(probability) must be taken to arrive at an objective conclusion for decision making, by
employing the used of random sampling, which will indeed guarantee every
individual or community a chance of selection, in order to avoid bias representation
Random sampling is the best sampling technique in this research, because its saves
time.

3.6.1 Sample Size Determination

The sample size for this study was determined using the Taro Yamane formula for
determining sample sizes. The Taro Yamane formula is state as
N
N=
1-N(e)
Where
n represents the sample size
N represents the population (328)
E represents margin of error (5%)

n=

328
1+32(0.05)

n= 328
42

1+328(0.0025)
n=328
1.82
n= 180
This implies will that 180 farmer s would be investigated within Mbakuso community

3.6.2 Sampling Technique

The study will adapt the stratified random sampling technique in selecting the
number of respondents from the five communities of the study area. This will be done
by splitting the study area into five strata as shown in table below
Table 3.1 Sample Distribution
Names of kindred
Mbakosu

Number of Respondents
20

Mbaikyan

20

Iwen isha

20

Iwen I shin

20

Mbainyinge

20

% of Respondents
10
10
10
10
10

Total
200
SOURCE: author computations

100%

The rational for selecting this technique is that it gives an easy understanding to
carry out a fair representation of the study population. The technique is to be used in
selecting the number of respondents shall be through raffle draw where the names of
selected farmers in the Agba-kyan community will be written on pieces of paper and
be squeezed where 200 name will be picked at random Questionnaires will be
distributed to the selected number of farmers in each of council wards beside, five

43

farms shall be observed in the community taking one farm from each of the sampled
community to ascertain the effect and conditions on their production.

3.7 Instrument for Data Collection

The instruments that were used in collecting data for this research were
questionnaire, oral interview, and personal observation

3.7.1 Questionnaire
Questionnaire is a technique which comprises series of items presented to
a respondent in a written form, in which the individual is expected to respond in
writing (Emaikwu, 2010). The questions in the questionnaires were carefully framed,
taking the objective of the research topic into consideration. Some of these questions
were structure response questions. This was done to enable the researcher obtain the
necessary and authentic information that will be used for the analysis of the work.
The questionnaires have been designed to be administered on people who
attend and carry out activities in the market. A total of two hundred (200)
questionnaires were administered with twenty (20) in each of the sample community.

3.7.2 Oral Interview

This is an evaluation process which involves at least two people in a face-to
face oral discussion with the main aim of getting information one from the other, one
ask questions and the other provide answers. The two people are called interviewer
44

and interviewee respectively (Iorvaa2009).The interview was conducted personally by

the researcher where he uses structured questions to examine some other issues that
were not incorporated in the questionnaire. This includes the history of the farmers in
the area, the role of community toward the farmers.
The responses recorded verbatim longhand.

3.7.3 Personal Observation

Observation is defined as accurate watching and noting the phenomenon as
they occur in nature with regard to cause and effect relation.

Observation as a

technique for obtaining information involves measuring or gathering of information

necessary for measuring the variable under investigation (Emaikwu, 2010).
In the course of moving to the field to administer questionnaire to respondent,
the researcher observed the spatial distribution of farmers produce sold in the
Markets, distance people traveled to get to the farmers type of road linking the
farmers.

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

The descriptive statistics such as table, percentages, mean, standard deviation
and coefficient of variance are used in the data analysis for the study. The analysis
served the purpose of simplifying the data that was obtained in the field for better
understanding of the interaction. The percentage was calculated using the formula.
Y= x x 100
N
1
Where
Y = Represent percentage score arrived at.
X =
Represent total score of each observation
N =
Represent total number of sample size
100 =
Represent constant
In testing the hypothesis, the chi-square technique was used to test the postulated
hypothesis.
The chi-square was given by the formula.
X= (O-E)
45

E
Where x
Represent chi-square

Represent summation
O
Represent observation
E
Represent expected value or distribution
The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significant at the degree of freedom of n-1.

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.0 Introduction
This chapter has focused on the factors affecting agricultural development in
Agba-kyan community of Kwande Local Government Area, efforts made by the
government

as well as the need to generate data for effective planning of

agriculture sector were also identified. This was done base upon the information
(data) obtainable from different process and techniques described in the preceding
chapter.
The presentation and analysis of the data followed the frame of the study
questions obtained from questionnaire, oral interview, documentation as well as
personal observation by the researcher. Consequently, from the data collection, the

46

study was discussed under the following topics thus: The characteristics of the
respondents, the factors affecting agricultural development in Agba-kyan
community the efforts made by government and the need to generate agricultural
production and data for good decision making.
It is worthy to note that, all the two hundred (200) questionnaires distributed to
Agba-kyan community of Kwande Local Government Area, were returned. The
returned questionnaires were put into table and percentages. The results and
findings of each tabular information were followed immediately by the analysis
that axiom to them accordingly.

4.1: Respondents Demographic Characteristics

This chapter is discussed under the following sub- headings:

4.2 Demographic characteristics

Table 4.1 Sex Distribution of the Respondents
Variable: Sex
Female
Total
Male

Frequency
80
200
120

Percentage (%)
60

40
100

Since : Field survey,2014

Table 4:1 shows that 120 out of the 200 respondents are male and this
represents 60%of the sample population while the removing 80 respondents
representing 40% are female.
Table 4.2 Age Distribution of the Respondents.
Age Range
Frequency
Percentage (%)
18-25yrs

25

12.5
47

26-33

35

17.5

34-41

30

15

42-49

50

25

50 above

60

30

Total

200

100

Since: Field Survey,2014

The distribution of the age of the respondents as presented in table 4.2
above show that majority of the respondents (60)fall within the age range 50 and
above. This represents 30%of the sample population. Next to this group is the group
of 42-49 years old, numbering 50 and representing 25% of the sample population.
About 35 of the respondents representing 17.5%are in the age range of 26-33years
whole 30 respondents representing 15% fall within the age range of 34-41 years old
and the remaining 25persons (12.5%)are within the age range of 18-25years old.
Table 4.3: Marital Status of the Respondents
Marital Status
Married
Single
Divorced

Frequency
130
30
40

Total
Since: Field Survey, 2014

Percentage(%)
65
15
20

200

100

Table 4.3 shows that a vast majority of the respondents are married man
and women representing 65% (130)of the sample population.40 respondents
representing 20% of the sample population are divorced whole the remaining 30
respondents (15%)are single adults.
48

Table 4.4: Occupation of the People.

Occupation

frequency

percentage(%)

Civil Servants

20

10

Farming

150

75

Trading/Business
Total

30

15

200

100

Source: field Survey, 2014

From Table 4.4, it can be seen that out of the 200 respondents, 150 representing
about 75% of the sample population are engaged in farming as their
occupation. The remaining 50 respondents has 20 (10%) as civil servants civil
servants and 30 (15%) as those engaged in trading or other businesses.
Table 4.5: Educational Attainment of the Respondents
Level of education
frequency
Primary school
Secondary school
Post Secondary schools

50
100
50
49

percentage
25
50
25

Total

200

100

Source: Field Survey, 2014

Table 4.5 shows that 100 of the sample population went up to secondary
school level while 50 respondents each representing 25 percent went to primary school
and up to post secondary school respectively.

4.3.1 Effect of Land Fragmentation on Agriculture.

Table 4.6: Effects of Fragmentation on Agriculture.
Effects

Frequency

Reduction of farm size

Increase economic cost

Percentage(%)

100
60

50
30

40

20

Limited farmers desire to

Modernize agriculture
Total
Source: Field Survey, 2014

200

100

Table 4.6 shows that out of the 200 respondents, half of them (100)
representing 50% of the sample population says reduction in farm size is the major
effect of land fragmentation on agriculture.60 respondents representing 30% say the
effect is increase in economic cost of the land while the remaining 40m respondents
(20%) say land fragmentation limit the desire of farmers to mechanize or modernize
farming.

50

4.3.2 Land fragmentation as cause of land dispute that affect agriculture

development.
Table 4.7. Showing Land Fragmentation as a Cause of Land Dispute.
Response
Yes
No

Frequency

Percentage (%)

150
50

75
25

Total
200
Source: Field survey, 2014

100

Table 4.7 shows that a vast majority of the respondents,150 representing

75% of the sample population agreed that land fragmentation cause land dispute
which in turn affect agricultural development in the area while the remaining 50
respondents disagreed as they dont

believe land fragmentation causes land

disputes which in turn affect agriculture development in the area.

51

4.3.3 Disperse farm plots as a factor affecting agriculture

Table 4.8: Relating to Disperse Farm Plots as a Factor Affecting Agriculture.

Response
Frequency
Percentage(%)
Total
200
100
Yes
140
70
Source: Field Survey, 2014
140 representing 75%
No Table 4.8 , it can be seen that out
60of the 200 respondents,
30
of the sample population agreed that disperse farm plots affects agriculture while the
remaining 60 respondents representing 30 percent disagreed as they say disperse farm
plots has no effect on their agricultural practices.

4.3.4 Tools for farming activities

Table 4.9 Tools Used for Farming Activities in the Area.

Tools

Frequency

52

Percentage (%)

Manual tools
Mechanical tools

155
45

77.5
22.5

Total

200

100

Source: Field survey, 2014

Table 4.9, it can be seen that 77.5% of the sample population, that is 155
respondents use manual tools such as hoes and Cutlasses for their framing activities
while only 22.5% (i.e. 45 respondents) use mechanical tools for their farming activities.

4.3.5 Access to farm tools

Table 4.10 Farmers Access to Farm Tools

Access

Frequency

Percentage (%)

Purchase
Borrowing from relatives

130
60

65
30

Government aids

10

200

100

Total
Source: Field Survey 2014

Trade 4.10 shows that out of the 200 respondents, 130 represent 130
representing a greater percentage of 65% say they purchase the farm tools they use for
their farm activities. 60 respondents (30%) say they cant afford to buy their farm tools
and so they result to borrowing form relatives, while 10 respondents representing only
53

5% of the sample population say they are among the privileged for few who access aids
from the government in terms of tools used for their farm activities.

4.3.6 Pest and disease as factors affecting farming.

Table 4.11 Relating to Pests and Diseases as Factors Affecting Farming.

Response

Frequency

Percentage (%)

Yes

120

60

No

80

40

200

100

Total
Source: Field Survey, 2014

Table 4.11 shows that out of the 200 respondents,120 representing 60% of the
sample population agreed that pests and diseases are factors affecting farming in the
area while 80 respondents representing 40% are of a contrary opinion as they say pests
and diseases are not factors affecting farming in the area.

54

4.3.7 Duration of Experiencing Pests and Diseases

Table 4.12 The duration in which pests and diseased are experienced in the area.
Duration
Frequency
Percentage (%)
2years

20

10

3years

60

30

5years

120

60

Total
Source : Field Surveys 2014

200

100

Table 4.12 shows that 120 of the respondents representing 60% say that pests
and diseased is experienced for the duration of five (5) years. That pests and disease
attacks their farm every five years. About 60 of the respondents representing 30% of the
sample population say the interval of attack of pests and disease on their farms is 3years
while about 20 respondents representing 10 percent of the sample population say the
interval is after every 2years.
55

Table 4.13 Response Relating to the Low Level of Financial Status

Farmers as a Factor Affecting Agriculture.
Response

Frequency

Percentage (%)

Yes

150

82.5

No

35

17.5

Total

200

100

Source: Field Survey,2014

Table 4.13 shows that almost all the respondents (165) agreed that the low level
of their financial status is affecting their farming while a few respondents (35)
representing only 17.5% of the sample population disagreed with the 165 respondents.

4.3.9 Source of Farmers, Capital as a Factor Affecting Agriculture

56

Table 4.14 Source of Farmers Capital as a Factor Affecting Agriculture

Source

Frequency

Percentage (%)

Loan from Banks

50

25

Borrowing from relatives

60

30

No Source

90

45

Total
Source: Field Survey, 2014

200

100

Table 4.14 , it can be seen that 50 respondents representing 25% of the sample
population take loans from the bank.60 respondents (30%) say they borrow capital from
relatives while 90 respondent (i.e. 45% of the sample population) representing majority,
lamented that they have no access to bank loans and can not even borrow from
relatives ,and this situation of lack of capital, they say affects farming activities.

4.3.10 Road Network as a factor affecting agriculture.

Table 4.15: Relating to Road Network as a Factor Affecting Agriculture.
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)
57

Tarred roads

10

Minor roads

150

Foot paths

40

Total

5
75

20

200

100

Source: Field Survey,2014

The responses presented in Table 4.15above shows that out of the 200
respondents,10 of them representing only 5% say lack of tarred roads affect their
farming activities while a vast majority, about 150 of the respondents represent 75% of
the sample population say lack of even minor road affects their farm activities. The
remaining 40 respondents (20%) say footpaths are all they have and that affect
agriculture in the area.

4.3.11 Accessibility of Road Network During Rainy Seasons

Table 4.16 Show Accessibility of the Road Network During the Rainy Seasons
Response
Frequency
Percentage (%)

58

Yes

170

85

No

30

15

Total

200

100

Source:

Field Survey,2014
Table 4.16 Shows that 170 of the respondents representing 85% of the sample

population say the roads are accessible during rainy season while 30 representing only
15%of the sample population say the roads are not accessible during rainy seasons.

4.4 Discussion of the Findings

The result of the finding revealed the study area is more populated by the male
folk and this implies more active work force for farm work in the area.
The results of the findings revealed that the area is more population by the aging
group (50 and above). This implies that the more active and working group are leaving
the area for greener pastures in urban areas and this could be as a result of social
amenities and also lack of lucrative source of income.
59

The result also revealed that the area is a responsible social as majority of the
people are married or were one time or other married. This agreed with the earlier
findings that the area is populated by the older or aging group few single means few
youth available for farm work.
The results of the findings revealed that the major occupation of the people is
farming. This implies it is an agrarian society. Framing is the main stay of the economy
of the area. This finding confirms that the rural areas of Benue state are predominantly
farming society.
Regarding the level of education, the results of the findings revealed that half of the
sample population went up to secondary school and 25% went to tertiary schools. This
implies that the area is a literate society, and everyone can at least read and, write at the
basic literacy level.
As regards the factors affecting agriculture in the area, the results of the findings
revealed that land fragmentation, disputes resulting from such fragmentation and the
incidents of pests and diseases are all major factors. This implies that the people even if
they have the capital to expand the challenge of land ownership either by individuals
who usually inherited it or by communal ownership with not permit them to employ
mechanized farm techniques or methods. Also, when lands are inherited, in expanse,
they are dispersed making mechanization difficult.
The results of the findings also revealed that the type of tools used is manual and
60

the tools, they must also buy at high cost usually from other communities. Many who
are not able to purchase their own resort to

borrowing from relatives who also are

farmers and can only spare their tools when they will not use them at the immediate.
This implies that those who do not have the purchasing power are at the mercy of their
relatives who will in turn be expecting a returned favour especially in their farm work.
The results of the findings revealed that the people have very low financial status.
That is the lack the economic power and the source of loan available to them is limited
since only a few can access loans. This is also because banks require collateral that is
what they do not have since their lands are not titled lands with C/o that will be
accepted by the banks .poor road networks is another factor hindering agriculture in the
area. This implies that even if they are able to produce in quality, they will spend more
in transporting to places where they can get buyers. And much expense will leave them
with nothing or little and the cycle of their struggling continues.

61

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND

SUGGESTIONS
5.0Introduction
This chapter succinctly gives a summary of the entire study, draws
conclusion accordingly and issues suggestions base upon the outcomes of the
research investigation for the improvement of the sector.

5.1 Summary
In accordance with the researchers findings, agricultural production is
undeveloped in Agba-kyan community with farmer low productivity and per capital
income and output. This development is as a result of socio-economic cultural,
technological and political factors, including land tenure system, poorly developed
transport sector, inadequate extension services, use of rudimentary farm implement,

62

financial problem, lack of basic rural infrastructural facilities, lack of modern storage
facilities, lack of farm inputs and organized market system.
Secondly, corruption, poor attitude of Nigerians toward government projects,
illiteracy and lack of focus made government efforts toward improving agricultural
sector abortive.
Lastly, the inability of farmers to generate appropriate data operation for their
farm enterprise made planning decision making and evaluation of production
performance clumsy.

5.2 Conclusion
This research work carefully identify various factors affecting agricultural
development in Agba-ikyan community of Kwande Local Government Area , efforts
made by government to improve the sector and the need to generate data for proper
evaluation, decision making and further planning of the enterprise.
According to data collected, presented and analyzed by the research through
questionnaires, oral interviews, other authors view on the topic and personal
observation, there is a gross negligence of the rural dwellers that produce over 90% of
the food supply in Nigeria in spite of their subsistence nature.

63

The improvement of the rural communities means improving the rural peasant
farmers. And the improvement of the rural farmers invariably implies improving the
agricultural sector. This can be achievable through the rural communities, provision of
social amenities like electricity, hospitals, schools, portable water etc. to the rural
communities, provision of access road to facilities movement of their produce to the
market, granting of credit and other financial aids to farmers and proper extension
service and re-organization of their market structure bearing in mind the activities of
middlemen who make profit at the expense of producers (farmers)

5.3 Suggestions
The major objective of any study of this nature is to make positive contribution
to the progress of education by utilizing the findings of the study. Thus any research
which stops at probing critically into the model operation of any system without such
contribution is tantamount to a waste of time, energy and resources.
Consequently, base on the outcomes of the data collected, presented and
analyzed, the researcher here by put forward the following suggestions that shall help
rejuvenate the sustainable development of the agricultural sector:
i.

That a good agricultural land reforms and management mechanism

should be introduced in order to ensure more efficient land utilization to
boost the economies of large scale food production in Nigeria. For land is
64

the most vital factor of production that provide shelter, food income and all
to the farmers.
ii.

That government should accord top priority on the construction and

maintenance of feeder roads amongst rural communities to ease
transportation problem face by the peasant farmers. This development will
go along way in opening up rural settlement areas, stimulation of economic
activities and further discourage rural migration by the youths thus
enhancing adequate labour force on the farm hence high agriculture
productivity.

iii.

That the re-enforcement and re-orientation of the extension service by

recruiting more qualified and workaholic agents who shall be saddled with
then task of educating rural farmers on the adoption of new farm
innovation shall be introduced by the government. The extension workers
should be made to understand, that their duty is not sit and make policies in
the office but to reach out to rural farmers in the field in order to implement
the polices.

iv.

that there is need to open up all agro-centres in each district or ward for
the purpose of early distribution of farm inputs such as fertilizer, pesticides,
herbicides fungicide and improved variety of seed and seedlings to farmers
65

at subsidized rate. That all the abandoned agro-service centres should be re-open,
and the establishment of new ones should be embarked upon by the government.
Also, bureaucratic bottlenecks and politics involved in the disbursement of these
inputs should be eliminated.
v.

That the provision of social amenities to the rural communities such as schools,
health facilities portable water amongst other will enhance the development of rural
dwellers standard of living, discourage youth migration, and boost commercial
activities. This when done, will cause the rapid development in the agricultural
sector.

vi.

That, farmers should organize themselves into cooperative societies to enable

them to easily access loan and other credit incentives from the government and
commercial banks and other financial institutions, than operating at individual level.
The financial institutions should be made to reduce their interest rate to encourage
local farmers to access loans for the purpose of investing and expanding their farm
enterprise .

vii.

That modern storage facility should be providing to rural communities to curtail

mass wastage of perishable and seasonal food crops. This will make food price will
be enhanced.

viii.

Proper education should be given to farmer in the form of adult education

programme. This will liberate than famers will now better ways of
improving on their living standard their. Their ability to read and write will
enable them to keep adequate data of their farm operations for proper
evaluation, decision making and further planning.
With the above suggestions, when well implemented, the research is
optimistic, that the major problems faced by agricultural sector will be
curbed and sustainable development of the sector amongst rural areas
66

including Agba-kyan community of Kwande Local Government of Benue

State will be enhanced.

REFERENCES
Agboola, S. A. (1979). An Agricultural Atlas of Nigeria, Oxford University
Press London.
Akinsanmi, O. (1978). Certificate Agricultural Science, Long man group
Limited, London.
Akinyosoye, V. O. (1984). Senior Tropical Agriculture for west Africa,
Macmillan Educational Books Limited, London,
Allan, W. (1993). Soil and Environment: An Introduction, Cambrige
University Press.
Anyanwuocha, (2011). Fundamentals of Economics, Onitsa, African First
Publishers.
Bedejo, T. (1975). Revision Notes on Agricultural Science, for School
Certificate and General Certificate in Education, Illesani Press and Limited.
Bhooshan, (1980) Concept of Development, Nairobi. Heinemann Education Books.
Gyuse, T .T. (2005). How to Plan, Execute and Report your Research,
67

Makurdi, Serfers Publishing Limited.

http: ll www. ask. Com/wiki/agriculture, oxford. ed 8
Illoeje, N. P. (1982). A New Geography of Nigeria, Ibadan, Longman Group, Limited
Iorvaa, T. et al (2010). Environmental Health, Makurdi Adeka Press and
Publishing Co. Ltd.
Komolafe, et al. (1980). Agricultural Science for West African Schools and
Colleges, Ibadan, University Press, Limited.
Nyagba, L. (1995). Soil and Agriculture, in Benue State Rapid Education Publishers,
Calabar.
Ogieva, E. (1993). Comprehensive Agricultural Science, Nigeria, Onitsha,
Johnson Publishers.
Ojo,S.O.,Ologe,K.O.Ezechukwu,F.C. (1992).Count Down in Geography, Ibadan, Evans
Publishers.
Omoniyi, B. L. (2003). Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary School,
Lagos, Johnson Publishing Limited.
Oyakhilome, O. A .(1985). International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, A
Manual Report.
Patrick, O. (2004). The Food Basket Myth, Implications for food Security
and Agricultural Policy reform in Nigeria, Makurdi, Aboki Publishers.
Rodney, (1969). Concept of Development, Regional Development, Unpublished
Lecture Note, Department of Geography. Benue State University,
Sills, D. L. (1972). Encyclopedia of Social Science, Vol 2. Collien
Macmillan Limited, London.
Youdeowei, A . Ezechuimen F.O.C (1986). Introduction to Tropical Agriculture,
Longman ,Oxford University, Press.

68

69

APPENDIX
QUESTIONAIRE
Department of Geography,
Benue State University,
Makurdi,

Dear Respondent,
I am a final year student of Geography Department, Carrying out research on the
topic. Factors Affecting Agricultural Development in Agba-Ikyan Community of
kwande Local Government of Benue State.
Please kindly provide answers to the questions that follow on the next page.
This could enable me effectively gather data for the research. Be assured that all your
options and answers shall be treated in a strict confidential and used only for the
purpose of this research.
Please, fill the questionnaire honestly and accurately.
Yours Faithfully,
Jir Samuel Aondohemba
Matric No. Bsu/ss/geo/10/8849
70

Appendix
Section A: Personal Data of respondent,
Instruction: Please, tick as appropriate [ ]
1

Sex (a) Male [ ] (b) Female [ ]

Age (a) 18-25 (b)26-33 (c)34-41 (e)42-49 (d) 42-49 (f)50 and above

Marital status (a) Married [ ] (b) Single [ ] (c) Divorce [ ]

Occupation apart from farming? (a) Civil Servant [ ] (b) farming [ ] (c) trading
(d) others

Level of education attained (a) Primary [ ] (b) Secondary [ ](c) post secondary [
](d) Non [ ]

Section B: Information about Factors Affecting Agriculture in the

Study Area.
6

What effect has land fragmentation on agriculture?

(a) Reduction in farm size (b) increase economic cost (c) limits farms desire to
modernize his/her holding by introducing new agriculture techniques

71

8.

Do land fragmentation in your area causes land disputes which affect agriculture
development?
(a) Yes (b) No
Do you consider disperse farm plots as effect to agriculture?
(a) yes (b) No

which of these is tool for your farming activities?

(a) Manure tools (b) mechanical tools

How do you have access to the farm tools?

(a) Buying form the market (b) borrowing from neighbour (c) Government aid.

Do you consider pest as on of the factors affecting farming?

(a) yes (b) No

10

For how long do you experience the pest and diseases?

(a) 5years (b) 8years (c) 12years (d)14years above.

12

Do you consider the low level of financial status as a factor affecting agriculture?
(a) Yes (b)No

13 What is the source of your income for you farming activities?

(a) Loan from Bank (b) borrow from relative (c) no source.
14 What is the road network used to convey farm produce to the market?
72

(a) tarred road (b) minor road (c) foot path.

15 Is the network accessible during raining seasons?
(a) No (b)yes

73