Analysis of Risk Sources and Management Strategies among Maize Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines risk sources and management strategies among maize farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling techniques were employed to select 180 respondents on which primary data were elicited from the respondent with the aid of a structured questionnaire complemented with interview schedule using kobo tool box. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (such as mean, frequency distribution count and percentages) and inferential statistics (such as ordered logit regression model). The study revealed that rise in cost of inputs (𝑋 ̅ = 4.5), theft and pilfering (𝑋 ̅ = 4.5), pest attack (𝑋 ̅ = 4.4), death of the farmer (𝑋 ̅ = 4.4) and disease outbreak (𝑋 ̅ = 4.4) were the major sources of risk among maize farmers. Also, farming experience (P<0.01), educational level (P<0.05) and farm size (P<0.10) were the major factors influencing farmer’s risk attitude in maize production. Lastly, early planting (𝑋 ̅ = 3.4), diversification of income (𝑋 ̅ = 3.2), local monitoring of weather (𝑋 ̅ = 3.2), marketing strategies (𝑋 ̅ = 3.1) and financial strategies (𝑋 ̅ = 3.1) were the major management strategies adopted by maize farmers. The study recommended that farmers should adopt cost-effective agricultural practices.