Challenges of maize production by small scale maize farmers in Bosso Local Government Area ,Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on specific challenges faced by small scale maize farmers on maize production in Bosso L.G.A Niger State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used for the selection of 122 smallholder maize farmers for the study. A well-structured questionnaire containing both open- and closed-ended questions was used to collect the data for the study. Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies and multiple regression analysis were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Result showed that the majority (87%) of the farmers were male, 93% were married, average age range of 31-40 years, 39.34% had no formal education, 43.44% had a household size range of 4-6 persons, 50% were into farming experience of above 10 years, and 51.64% owned the land they cultivates, while 59.84% cultivated on 1-2 hectares of land. On factors affecting maize production, 73.77% have no access to credit, 68.03% have no access to modern farm implements, 88.53% have no access to extension services, and 92.62% have no access to irrigation. Identified challenges facing maize farmers within the study area were high cost of inputs, climate change, high interest rate, absence of training programs, and lack of access to market support. Major recommendations were to subsidize farm inputs and modern farm implements, provide a low interest rate, and allocate more land for agricultural purposes.