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DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/rjoas.2021-02.14
FOOD SECURITY INDEX AND ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES AMONG SESAME FARMERS, ABUJA, NIGERIA
Alabi Olugbenga Omotayo*
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada-Abuja, Nigeria
ORCID: 0000-0002-8390-9775
Sunday Ajayi Godfrey
G-Consulting International Services Limited, Apo-Gudu, Abuja, Nigeria ORCID: 0000-0002-2792-9392
Waziri-Ugwu Phidelia Ramatu
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University Gashua,
Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria ORCID: 0000-0003-1922-5122
Shaba Moses Gado
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada-Abuja, Nigeria
ORCID: 0000-0001-9820-5933
Emeghara Ursulla Ukamaka
Department of Crop Production, Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria ORCID: 0000-0003-3684-1525
Omole Ebunlola Bosede
Basic Science Department, Federal College of Wildlife Management, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria ORCID: 0000-0001-8493-4190
David Hyelni Seth
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University Gashua,
Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria ORCID: 0000-0003-2071-8821
Olumuyiwa Samson Abiade
Department of Basic Sciences and General Studies, Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
ORCID: 0000-0003-1596-1114
Sanusi Saheed Olakunle
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University Gashua,
Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria ORCID: 0000-0002-0531-643X
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated food security index and adoption of agricultural technologies among sesame farmers in Abuja, Nigeria. The objectives specifically designed for this study were: determine the socio-economic profiles or characteristics of sesame farmers, evaluate the food security index of sesame farmers, determine the marginal productivity of sesame farmers, determine the adoption index of sesame farmers and evaluate factors influencing adoption of agricultural technologies among sesame farmers. Data used were of primary sources. Data were collected using well-designed and also well-structured questionnaire.
The questionnaire was subjected to validity and reliability tests. Multi-stage sampling method was used to select 100 sesame farmers. Data were analyzed using the following statistical and econometric tools: descriptive statistics, food security index, marginal productivity, adoption index and Logit regression model. The results show that 70% of sesame farmers were less than 50 years which implies that they are young, active, energetic and resourceful. Also, 64% of sesame farmers were married and 90% of them had formal education. The household sizes were large with an average of 7 people per household. Sesame farmers had considerable experiences in farm activities with an average of 8 years experiences in sesame farming. Based on headcount ratio, 54% of sesame farming households was food secure while 46% were food insecure. Two-third mean of per capital expenditure on food by sesame farming households was 1, 551.10 Naira Resource productivity shows that land, seed, and fertilizers were under-utilized while labour was over-utilized. An average adoption index of 72% was estimated and 47.37% of sesame farmers were medium adopters while 52.63% of sesame farmers were high adopters of agricultural technologies. Age(P < 0.05), extension contact(P < 0.10), educational level (P < 0.05), access to credit facilities(P < 0.10), farming experiences (P < 0.05), and farm income (P < 0.05) were the statistical and significant factors influencing adoption of agricultural technologies among sesame farmers. The study recommends easy access to improved agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, labour input and land by sesame farmers and increased extension contact with sesame farmers in the area.
KEY WORDS
Food security, marginal productivity, adoption, agricultural technologies, Abuja, Nigeria.
Food security is one of the greatest challenge facing sub-Saharan African and the world (FAO, 2010). Agriculture has the potentials of reducing poverty, increasing food security and promoting economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria agricultural sector is very important in terms of its role in food security, poverty alleviation and growth of the economy (Maurice, Adamu and Joseph, 2014). Prices of food and agricultural commodities are increasing in Africa. USAID (1992) defined food security as situation people at all times have both economic and physical access to food sufficiently needed to meet their dietary needs for healthy and productive life. Food security is rooted in three pillars, they are food availability, food access and food utilization. Across the world, 800 million people go to bed hungry every night (FAO, 2019). Food insecurity is said to be rooted in poverty. In Nigeria, poverty is rising, more than 167 million Nigerians are living with less than $1 a day. Poverty and food insecurity are of great concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. The greatest challenge facing sub-Saharan Africa's agricultural sector is to increase production and the value of agricultural products. Food production in sub-Saharan African is faced with the problem of low crop yields and resource productivity. Agriculture in Nigeria is confronted with the problem of low productivity arising from inefficient use of available resources (Alabi, Oladele and Oladele, 2020; Udoh, 2005, Obasi and Agu, 2000).Increases in productivity and efficiencies in the agricultural sector are the most effective way for sustainable economic development. Increasing farm productivity and income of farmers arising from adoption of new agricultural technologies has received the attention of many policy makers and researchers. Improving agricultural productivity, efficiency with available technology and resource base, sustainable agricultural development can raise farm productivity. According to Amanza and Maurice (2005), Panda (2007) the change in food crop production include change in technique of production, change in productivity of inputs used, type of technology, and change in the hectares of land cultivated for various crops.
Fundamental way of increasing agricultural productivity is through the use of agricultural technologies (Obisesan, Amos and Akinlade, 2016). Farm resource productivity can be improved when farmers properly understand efficient use of resources and how to select farm enterprises. The core elements for sustainable crop production among smallholder farmers are resource use efficiency and productivity growth. Sustenance of production system can be achieved when farmers properly understand production efficiency
arising from optimal use of inputs combined with the level of technology available. Agricultural productivity can be increased using improved agricultural technologies this will enhance sustainable food and fibre production which are critical issues for sustainable food security and economic development (Obayelu and Ajayi, 2018). Agricultural production technologies can be in terms of improved seed varieties, pesticides, planters and irrigation systems, fertilizers, recommended crop spacing, planting dates, harvesting dates amongst others. The key to global food security and poverty alleviation is increasing agricultural productivity. Improved and access to agricultural technologies and management practices are tools for enhancing agricultural productivity. Research and adoption of new technologies are issues in increasing agricultural productivity, also, the major factor in technology adoption is credit, and this can transform smallholder farmers into commercial scale (Abayomi and Salami, 2008). Rural credit for smallholder farmers will enhance adoption of agricultural technologies and increase agricultural production and productivity (Odoemenem and Obinne, 2010).
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L) also called benniseed originated from tropical Africa. It is quality oil seed crop which contains 50% oil and 25% protein. Sesame can be used for food and oil. The oil can be used for cooking, baking, salad oil, margarine, and candy making. Sesame oil can be used for making paints, soaps, insecticides, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Sesame meal what is left after oil is extracted and pressed from the seed contains from 34 to 50% protein used for poultry and livestock feeds (Oplinger et al, 2007, Nwalem, 2015).Sesame is becoming prominent among Nigeria non-oil agricultural export crops coming second after cocoa. Nigeria has an opportunity to earn foreign exchange by increasing sesame production to meet international demand for the agricultural commodity. In Nigeria, sesame is cultivated in Northern states over 80,000 hectares of land. In 2010, Nigeria exported 140,800 tonnes of sesame seeds. Major sesame producing Countries were India, Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria, Sudan, China, and Burma (Myanmar). Africa grows 26% of world sesame (Hassen, 2011).
The broad objective is to evaluate food security index and adoption of agricultural technologies among sesame farmers in Abuja, Nigeria. The objectives specifically designed for this research study were:
Determine the socio-economic profiles or characteristics of sesame farmers; Evaluate food security index of sesame farmers; Determine the marginal productivity of sesame farmers; Determine the adoption index of sesame farmers;
Evaluate factors influencing adoption of agricultural technologies among sesame farmers.
METHODS OF RESEARCH
The research study was conducted in Abuja, Nigeria. Abuja lies between Latitudes 90 4l20llNorth and the Longitudes 70 291 2811 East. In Abuja, there are rainy and dry seasons, in between these seasons we have brief harmattan period. The rainy season starts from March to October. The temperature varies from 280 C to 400 C. It has an area of 8,000 Square Km.The population of Abuja according to NPC (2006) is about 776, 298 people. Agriculture is the main occupation of the inhabitant of Abuja. They are involved in growing crops and animal production. Crops grown include millet, sesame, sorghum, garden egg, yam, cowpea, rice, groundnut amongst others. Animal kept include goats, poultry, sheeps, rabbit, turkey, and cattle.
Primary data were used. Data from primary sources were obtained with the use of questionnaire. The questionnaire was well-designed and well-structured to answer the objectives of the research study. The questionnaire was subjected to validity and reliability tests. Multi-stage sampling method was used for this research study. First stage, involve simple random selection of Abuja using ballot-box raffle draw method. Second, third and fourth stages involve simple random selection of one area council, 5 wards and 5 villages
using ballot-box raffle draw method respectively. Fifth and final stage involves proportional random selection of 100 sesame farmers using Yamane (1967) equations of estimating sample size. Yamane (1967) formula for calculating sample size is stated thus:
n = " , =100 (1)
Where: n= Sample Size (Units); N = Sample Frame (Units); e=Level of Precision (10%). The statistical and econometric tools used for data analysis include: Descriptive Statistics involves the use of frequency distributions, mean, and percentages to have summary descriptions of data collected. This was used to achieve specific objective one (i).
The Food Security Model for sesame farmers following Omonona et al (2007) is stated
thus:
Per Capital Expenditure for the Sasame Farmers
Fi = 2-P-P- (2)
2 Mean Per Capital Food Expenditure of all Households
Where: Fi = Food Security Index; Fi > 1 = Food Secure for ith Household; Fi < 1 = Food Insecure for ith Household.
The Headcount Index formular is stated thus:
M
Headcount Index (H) = — (3)
N
Where: M = Number of Food Secure/Insecure Households (Units); N = Number of Household in the Sample (Units).
This was used to answer specific objective two (ii).
Marginal Productivity Index according to Alabi, Oladele and Oladele (2020) is stated
thus:
p
MPx = ^.............................................................(4)
Py
px=Px...............................................................(5)
Py
MPX x Py = MVPX...................................................(6)
= ^..........................................................(7)
Xii w
ßii
Where:
Px = Unit Cost of Each Resources Employed (Naira);
Py = Price of Output (Naira);
MVPx = Marginal Value Product of x;
MPx = Marginal Productivity of x;
Py = Elasticities of Inputs;
ßii
= Marginal Product (MPx ) of the Input.
MVPx > Px = Under Utilization of Input.................(8)
MVPx < Px = Over Utilization of Input..................(9)
MVPx = Px = Optimum Input Utilization................(10)
This was used to answer specific objective three (iii).
Adoption Index (AI) following Dongol (2004), Dhital and Joshi (2016) are stated thus:
TAF
AI = MISF x 100...............(11)
Where: AI = Adoption Index (Units); TAF =Total Adoption Score for ith Sesame Farmers (Units); MSF = Maximum Adoption Score Sesame Farmers can obtain (Units).
Z AI
AAI=^................(12)
Where: AAI =Average Adoption Index (Units); N= Number of Sesame Farmers (Units).
High Adopters have adoption index higher , above or equal to Average Adoption Index (AAI), Medium Adopters have Adoption Index below the Average Adoption Index (AAI).This will be used to achieve specific objective four (iv). The Logit regression model is stated thus:
Yi = «o + ^ aiXi + Ui........(13)
i =1
The explicit function is stated thus:
Yi = «0 + «1 + «2*2 + «3 + «4 + «5 + «6 + + Ut...................................(14)
Where:
Yi = Dichotomous Response of Technology Adoption (1, High Adopters ; 0, Otherwise);
X1 = Age of Sesame Farmers (Years);
X2 = Extension Contact (1, Access; 0, Otherwise);
X3 = Educational Level (Number of Years in in School);
X4= Access to Credit Dummy (1, Access; 0, Otherwise);
X5 = Farming Experience (Years);
X6 = Farm Income (Naira);
Ui = Error Term;
a0 = Constant Term;
a1 - a6 = Regression Coefficients;
This was used to achieve specific objective five (v).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socio-Economic Profiles of Sesame Farmers. Table 1 presented the socio-economic profiles of sesame farmers. About 70% of sesame farmers were less than 50 years of age. The mean age of sesame farmers was 46 years. This means that sesame farmers were active, young, energetic and resourceful. Sesame farmers will be able to adopt innovations, research findings and new technologies. Also, 64% of sesame farmers were married and 91% had formal education. Education of farmers is important for adoption of new technologies among sesame farmers. The household sizes were large, 98% of sesame farmers had less than 16 people as household members. The mean experience of sesame farmers in farm activities was 8 years. Furthermore, 63% of sesame farmers had less than 11 years experiences in farm activities. This result is in line with results of Alabi, Coker, Adeola and Maduekwe (2010), Alabi, Lawal and Oladele (2016), Obisesan, Amos and Akinlade (2016), Tukura and Ashindo (2019), Sidi, Damisa, Yusuf and Oladimeji (2014) who reported in their research findings that sesame farmers were active, young and resourceful.
Sesame farming households were profiled into food secure and food insecure groups using their per capital food expenditure as presented in Table 2. The food insecurity line was defined by the two-third of the mean per capital of food expenditure of the sesame farming household head. According to Omonona et al (2007) sesame farming household is considered food secure if it attained minimum of two-third of the mean per capital expenditure on food per month. Sesame farmers that spent at least 1,551.10 Naira on food per month were grouped as food secure, and those sesame farming households that spent
less than 1, 551.10 Naira per month were grouped as food insecure. This implies that for sesame farmers to be considered as food secure, they must spend 51.70 Naira per day. Based on the headcount ratio presented in Table 2, about 54% of sesame farmers had their monthly per capital expenditure on food higher or equal to 1, 551.10 Naira, while 46% of the sesame households had their monthly per capital food expenditure less than 1,551.10 Naira. The mean monthly per capital expenditure of the food secured sesame farmers was 3,321.11 Naira, a food secured sesame farming households spend on the average about 110.70 Naira per day. Also, food insecure sesame farming households spend on the average of 1,134.07 Naira per month and 37.80 Naira per day. This result is in line with findings of lorlamen et al (2014), Olabisi and Olarewamiwa (2014) who observed in their research studies that 51% of rural farmers in sub-Saharan Africa were food secure.
Table 1 - Socio-Economic Profiles of Sesame Farmers
Socio-Economics Profiles Frequency Percentages Mean
Sex
Male 55 55.00
Female 45 45.00
Age (Years)
31 - 40 34 34.00 46.00
41 - 50 36 36.00
51 - 60 21 21.00
> 60 09 09.00
Marital Status
Single 36 36.00
Married 64 64.00
Level of Education
Primary
Secondary 32 32.00
Tertiary 39 39.00
Non-Formal 20 20.00
Household Size (Units) 09 09.00
1 - 5
6 - 10 36 36.00 7.55
11 - 15 39 39.00
16 - 20 23 23.00
Farm Experience (Years) 02 02.00
1 - 5
6 - 10 27 27.00 8.80
11 - 15 36 36.00
16 - 20 31 31.00
06 06.00
Total 100.00 100.00
Source: Field Survey (2019) Computed Using STATA 14.
Table 2 - Food Security Index of Sesame Farmers
Food Security Index_Food Secure_Food Insecure_Total
Percentage (%) 54.00 46.00 100
Frequency 54 46 100
Monthly Expenditure on Food
Sum (Naira) 179,340.09 52,167.52 231,507.61
Mean (Naira) 3,321.11 1,134.07 2,315.07
Headcount Ratio (H) 0.54 0.46
2/3 Mean per Capital Food Expenditure was N 1,551.10
Source: Field Survey (2019), Computed using STATA 14.
The resources that were considered in this research study for sesame productivity were land, labour, seeds and fertilizers (Table 3). The marginal productivities of land, labour, seeds and fertilizers were 12.47, 02.39, 15.67 and 17.20 respectively. The marginal value productivities of land, seeds and fertilizers were 275, 424; 221, 301 and 201, 500 respectively and were greater than their respective marginal factor cost and were therefore
resources under-utilized. The marginal productivity of labour was 2,789 less than its marginal factor cost, therefore labour was over-utilized. This is line with result of Alabi, Oladele and Oladele (2020) who reported in their research results that land, seeds and fertilizers were under-utilized.
Table 3 - Marginal Productivity Index of Sesame Farmers
Variable Input MPx MVPX MFC Decision
Land 12.47 275,424 15,200 Underutilization
Labour 02.39 2,789 3,500 Overutilization
Seed 15.67 221,301 3,000 Underutilization
Fertilizer 17.20 201,500 7,200 Underutilization
Source: Field Survey (2019), Computed using STATA 14.
The average adoption index of sesame farmers was 72.0% (Table 4). About 47.37% of sesame farmers had their adoption indexes less than average adoption index. Also, 52.63% of sesame farmers had their indexes greater or equal to the average adoption index. This result is in line with findings of Dhital and Joshi (2016), Alabi (2016) who reported in their findings that 76% of sampled farmers were high adopters of agricultural technologies.
Table 4 - Adoption Index of Sesame Farmers
Adopters_Average Adoption Index_Percentage
Medium Adopters < 72% 47.37
High Adopters > 72% 52.63
Total 100.00
Source: Field Survey (2019), Computed using STATA 14.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Agricultural Technologies by Sesame Farmers. The statically and significant predictor variables included in the Logit model were age (P < 0.05), extension contact (P < 0.10), educational level (P < 0.05), access to credit facilities (P < 0.10), farming experience (P < 0.05), and farm income(P < 0.05). The Wald Chi square of 162.70 was significant at 1% probability level. The Pseudo R2 was 0.7901 this implies that the predictive power and overall explanatory power of 79.01% are quite high. The coefficient of level of education was positive. The marginal effects of educational level of sesame farmers show that as sesame farmers acquired formal education by one year, there would be 21.29% probability or likelihood that sesame farmers be higher adopters of agricultural technologies. This result is in line with findings of Alabi, Coker, Adeola and Maduekwe (2010), Kattel (2009).
Table 5 - Factors Influencing Adoption of Agricultural Technologies by Sesame Farmers
Variables Coefficients Standard Error Marginal Effects
Age (XJ 0.2638** 0.1055 0.1321
Extension Contact (X2) 0.3379* 0.1609 0.1520
Educational Level (X3) 0.4501** 0.1731 0.2129
Access to Credit Facilities (X4) 0.1289* 0.0585 0.3102
Farming Experience^) 0.3782** 0.1400 0.2109
Farm Income (X6) 0.4102** 0.1525 0.1302
Constant 0.1332* 0.0605 0.1129
Diagnose Statistics
Wald x2 Prob > x2 162.70
0.0000
Pseudo > R2 0.7901
Number of Observations 100
Source: Field Survey (2019), Computed using STATA 14. *, **, ***-Significant at 10%, 5% and 1% Probability Levels.
Farming experience was found to have positive coefficient, statistical and significantly influence the probability and likelihood of higher adoption of agricultural technology by sesame farmers increases by 21.09%. Sesame farmers using past experiences will have better control of the risk involved in farming activities. This result is in line with findings of Kavia et al (2007) who reported that socio-economic factors influence adoption of agricultural technologies among rural farmers. A significant and positive influence of contact with extension agent was also found. Sesame farmers frequent contact with extension officers will 15.20% increase the probability or likelihood to be higher adopters of agricultural technologies.
CONCLUSION
Sasame (Sesamum indicum L) production was profitable in the area. The farmers were young, resourceful, active and energetic with an average age of 46 years. They were mostly literate with large household members. The average household size of 7 people per household was recorded.
The farmers had considerable experiences with an average of 8 years in sesame farming. Headcount ratio of sesame farming household shows that 54% of them were food secure while 46% were food insecure. Two-third mean per capital expenditure on food by sesame farmers was 1, 551.10 Naira. About 54% of sesame food secured farming household will spend on the average at least 1, 551.10 Naira on food monthly and at least 51.70 Naira daily expenditures on food. The mean monthly expenditures for food insecurity index for sesame farming households was 1,134.07 Naira Marginal productivity index revealed that land, seed and fertilizers were under-utilized, while labour was over-utilized. The average adoption index for sesame farmers was 72%. About 52.63% were high adopters of agricultural technologies while 47.37% were medium adopters of agricultural technologies. The statistical and significant factors influencing adoption of agricultural technologies by sesame farmers were age, extension contact, educational level, access to credit facilities, farming experiences and farm income.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following policy recommendations were made based on the outcome of this research study:
• Farm inputs should be made available to sesame farmers such as improved seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, tractors, and equipments;
• Extension officers should be employed to disseminate research findings from research institutions to sesame farmers;
• Credit facilities at low interest rates should be made available to sesame farmers;
• Appropriate prices of sesame produce should be made available to farmers for good and reasonable profit margin;
• Access to information on agricultural technologies and capacity building should be made available to sesame farmers.
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