Appraisal of Participation in Contract Farming among Tomato Farmers in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study appraised the participation of tomato farmers in contract farming in Ankpa L.G.A, Kogi State. Multistage sampling technique was employed for selecting of 120 respondents. Primary data were used for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Probit model were used to analyse data collected. The results show that the average age of respondents was 37 years, 85% of the respondents were male, 81.67% were married and 69.17% had secondary education. Average household size was 7 people. Mean farming experience was 15 years. Mean farm size was 3 hectares. Also, 97.50% had no access to extension services, 80.83% did not belong to any co-operative society, while 71.67% had no access to agricultural credit. Sex (0.008) was statistically significant 1%, marital status (0.049), co-operative membership (0.019) and extension services (0.034) were all statistically significant at 5% in determining participation in contract farming. It is recommended that more co-operative societies should be formed in the study area to create awareness on contract farming, thereby making more tomato farmers involved in contract farming.