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EKITI STATE - The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

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<strong>EKITI</strong> <strong>STATE</strong><br />

Diagnostic Survey Report<br />

December 2009<br />

500'<br />

530'<br />

600'<br />

630'<br />

700'<br />

730'<br />

730'<br />

Oy o<br />

Ekiti<br />

Os un<br />

Og un<br />

On do<br />

700'<br />

Iko r o<br />

Ilo ro<br />

Ijero Ekiti<br />

Ushi<br />

1400 m m<br />

Ayede<br />

Ifa ki Oye<br />

Iko le E kiti<br />

W<br />

N<br />

S<br />

E<br />

700'<br />

La go s<br />

Edo<br />

De lta<br />

630'<br />

600'<br />

Ire E kiti<br />

1500 m m<br />

Aram oko Ekiti<br />

Ig b e m o E k iti<br />

Iyin Ekiti<br />

Ado Ekiti<br />

Aisegba<br />

Ila w e E kiti<br />

OgotunIg b a ra O d o<br />

Ike r e E k iti<br />

Ise E k iti<br />

Emure Ekiti<br />

1600 m m<br />

10 0 10 Kilometers<br />

Om u Obadore<br />

630'<br />

600'<br />

E k it i riv e rs .<br />

E k it i roa d s<br />

E k it i a nn u a l ra in f a ll<br />

E k it i L U L C<br />

Agricultural Tree crop plantation<br />

Disturbed forest<br />

Dom inantly trees/woodlands/shrubs<br />

Forest plantation<br />

Grassland<br />

Gullies<br />

Intensive(row crops, minor grazing)<br />

Irrigation project<br />

Mining areas<br />

Minor urban<br />

R a in fe d a ra b le c rop s<br />

Resrevoir<br />

Riparian forest<br />

Rock outcrop<br />

Teak/G m elina plantation<br />

Undisturbed forest<br />

Urban centres<br />

500'<br />

530'<br />

600'<br />

630'<br />

Land-use/land-cover map <strong>of</strong> Ekiti State with annual<br />

700'


<strong>EKITI</strong> <strong>STATE</strong><br />

Diagnostic Survey Report<br />

December 2009<br />

ii


© UNAAB-IFSERAR, 2010<br />

ISBN 978-978-50092-3-1<br />

<strong>EKITI</strong> <strong>STATE</strong><br />

Diagnostic Survey Report<br />

December 2009<br />

Published by:<br />

Institute <strong>of</strong> Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research<br />

<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong><br />

P.M.B. 2240<br />

<strong>Abeokuta</strong><br />

Nigeria<br />

Tel.: +2348064779102<br />

e-mail: ifserar.unaab@yahoo.com<br />

website: www.unaab.edu.ng/ifserar<br />

iii


REPORT OF DIAGNOSTIC SURVEY CONDUCTED IN <strong>EKITI</strong><br />

<strong>STATE</strong>, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA<br />

BY<br />

J. M. AWOTUNDE - AERD, COLAMRUD<br />

O. OGUNTOKE - EMT, COLERM<br />

T. A. OLAIFA - CGNS, COLAMRUD<br />

O. T. ADENUBI - PHARMVET, COLVET<br />

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA<br />

SUBMITTED TO<br />

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (RESDEC)<br />

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA<br />

iv


ACRONYMS<br />

1. ADP - Agricultural Development Programme<br />

2. AERD - Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (Dept in<br />

UNAAB)<br />

3. AMREC - Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre in<br />

UNAAB<br />

4. CGNS - Communications and General Studies (Dept in UNAAB)<br />

5. COLAMRUD - College <strong>of</strong> Agricultural Management and Rural<br />

Development<br />

6. COLERM - College <strong>of</strong> Environmental Resources and Management (in<br />

UNAAB)<br />

7. COLVET - College <strong>of</strong> Veterinary Medicine (in UNAAB)<br />

8. EKADEP - Ekiti State Agricultural Development Programme<br />

9. EKSG - Ekiti State Government<br />

10. EMT - Environmental Management and Toxicology (Dept in<br />

UNAAB)<br />

11. FADAMA - Hausa Language for Swamp or Wet Land used for dry<br />

season cropping<br />

12. FDG - Focus Group Discussion<br />

13. NERICA - New Rice for African Dissemination Project<br />

14. NIHORT - National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan<br />

15. NSPFS - National Special Programme for Food Security<br />

16. PHARMVET - Pharmacology Veterinary (Dept in UNAAB)<br />

17. PRA - Participatory Rural Appraisal<br />

18. RESDEC - Research and Development Centre (in UNAAB)<br />

19. UNAAB - <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong>, <strong>Abeokuta</strong><br />

v


TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />

Cover page<br />

iv<br />

v<br />

vi<br />

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1<br />

1.1 Backgro 1<br />

1.2 1<br />

1.3 2<br />

2.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2<br />

2.1 2<br />

2.2 Sampling and data collection<br />

4<br />

..<br />

3.0 DATA AND FINDINGS 5<br />

31 5<br />

3.2 9<br />

3.3 9<br />

3.4 10<br />

3. 5 10<br />

3.2 CROP/LIVESTOCK 10<br />

3.2.1 11<br />

3.2.2 11<br />

3.2.3 11<br />

3.2.4 Frequ 11<br />

4.0 AREAS OF INTERVENTION 12<br />

4.1 12<br />

5.0 CONSTRAINTS/PROBLEMS IN AGRICULTURE 13<br />

6.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 13<br />

REFERENCE 14<br />

APPENDIX 15<br />

vi


LIST OF TABLES<br />

Table 1 3<br />

Table 2 4<br />

Table 3 Total number <strong>of</strong> Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Participants according 5<br />

To EKADEP s<br />

Table 4 7<br />

Table 5 8<br />

Table 6 9<br />

Table 7 Yiel 10<br />

vii


APPENDIX<br />

i Ekiti State Agricultural Development Programme Ikole 15<br />

ii Ekiti State Agricultural Development Programme National Programme for<br />

Food Security (NFFS) First Qu<br />

24<br />

iii<br />

iv<br />

v<br />

Ekiti State Agricultural Development Programme National Programme for<br />

<br />

Ekiti State Agricultural Development Programme, National Programme for<br />

<br />

Ekiti State Agricultural Development Programme Status Report <strong>of</strong> ADP<br />

(2007 <br />

vi Agricultural Performance Survey <strong>of</strong> 2008 Wet Season in Nigeria (Ekiti State 70<br />

Report) <br />

vii 98<br />

viii 122<br />

ix Driving Direction for Ekiti 123<br />

x 124<br />

xii Land-use/Land- 125<br />

40<br />

48<br />

60<br />

viii


1.0 INTRODUCTION<br />

1.1 Background <strong>of</strong> the Study<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong>, <strong>Abeokuta</strong> (UNAAB) was established in 1998 by<br />

the <strong>Federal</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> Nigeria, with the tripodal mandate <strong>of</strong> teaching, research and<br />

extension (UNAAB 2007). <strong>The</strong> <strong>University</strong> (UNAAB) has a direct responsibility <strong>of</strong><br />

conducting research and extension services in her mandate States which comprise <strong>of</strong><br />

Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo and Delta States.<br />

Agricultural development policies <strong>of</strong>ten follow top-down approach with varying<br />

levels <strong>of</strong> failure. To provide a remedy for this situation, a reversal <strong>of</strong> policy structure and<br />

strategy is required. It is in this light that the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong>, <strong>Abeokuta</strong> geared<br />

up efforts to identify the agricultural problems and needs <strong>of</strong> the farmers in the mandate<br />

States using bottom-up approach which is participatory in nature.<br />

<strong>The</strong> participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques involve the active participation<br />

<strong>of</strong> rural community dwellers being targeted (Nabasa et al., 1995)<br />

<strong>The</strong> PRA techniques are indeed useful in discovering, weighing and prioritizing<br />

problems and needs as presented by groups <strong>of</strong> farmers technically known as Focus Group<br />

Discussion (FGD) participants; during the early stages <strong>of</strong> identifying and setting the<br />

research agenda.<br />

1.2 Problem Statement<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Federal</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> Nigeria established various Agricultural Research<br />

Institutes and Universities to tackle the problems <strong>of</strong> agricultural production within their<br />

catchment areas in form <strong>of</strong> developing research agenda. <strong>The</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong>,<br />

<strong>Abeokuta</strong> (UNAAB), being one <strong>of</strong> them conducted a survey in the early 1990s but the<br />

attempted efforts have not reflected positively on agricultural production <strong>of</strong> farmers<br />

within the States. Although enviable heights seemed to have been attained in its<br />

academic endeavours, the research and extension arm are still largely unfulfilled.<br />

A lot has been attributed to lack <strong>of</strong> funds, and inappropriate technologies,<br />

inconsistent policies which have inadvertently impacted negatively on research and<br />

extension services. Farmers still face myriad <strong>of</strong> problems such as lack <strong>of</strong> access roads,<br />

poor funding, use <strong>of</strong> crude implements, non-availability <strong>of</strong> improved inputs and post<br />

1


harvest losses due to poor storage facilities. <strong>The</strong>se problems have direct or indirect<br />

poor<br />

<br />

<br />

Southwestern region <strong>of</strong> Nigeria. All these betray the research gap(s) in agriculture in the<br />

mandate States.<br />

1.3 Survey Objectives<br />

<strong>The</strong> broad objective <strong>of</strong> this diagnostic survey study is to determine the research<br />

gap(s) in agriculture, the problems and needs <strong>of</strong> farmers in Ekiti State as a prelude to<br />

conducting appropriate research to address them within the context <strong>of</strong> overall national<br />

development.<br />

<strong>The</strong> specific objectives <strong>of</strong> the study are to:<br />

(1) Identify the basic social and economic characteristics <strong>of</strong> the farmers in Ekiti State.<br />

(2) Identify the farm activities and the common practices.<br />

(3) Identify the basic problems in farming in Ekiti State.<br />

(4) Identify the available technologies in farming in the State.<br />

(5) Describe the role <strong>of</strong> other institutions in the area <strong>of</strong> agriculture in the State.<br />

(6) Draw conclusion and action plans.<br />

2.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY<br />

2.1 Study Area<br />

<strong>The</strong> PRA diagnostic survey study was conducted in Ekiti State, being one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

mandate States <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong>, <strong>Abeokuta</strong>.<br />

Ekiti State, created on 1 st October 1996, was carved out <strong>of</strong> the old Ondo State. It<br />

is located between Longitude 4 0 0 <br />

Latitudes 7 0 0 5 North <strong>of</strong> the Equator (EKSG, 2009). <strong>The</strong> State is a relatively<br />

young State requiring enormous resources to advance its development.<br />

<strong>The</strong> vegetation <strong>of</strong> Ekiti State is guinea forest with its attendant climate, flora and<br />

fauna. <strong>The</strong> State is homogenous in ethnic composition originally, but other tribes (Ebira,<br />

Nupe, Igede, Urhobo, Igala, Ibo and Hausa) now abound.<br />

2


<strong>Agriculture</strong> is the main occupation <strong>of</strong> Ekiti people and it is the major source <strong>of</strong><br />

income for many in the State. <strong>Agriculture</strong> provides income and employment for more<br />

than 75% <strong>of</strong> the population <strong>of</strong> Ekiti State (EKSG, 2009)<br />

<strong>The</strong> main cash crops are cocoa, c<strong>of</strong>fee, kolanut, cashew and oil palm. Other crops<br />

include citrus, fruits, coconut, mango, sugarcane, guava and pineapple. <strong>The</strong> state can also<br />

boast <strong>of</strong> various species <strong>of</strong> timber that provide raw materials for wood-based industries<br />

(Table 1).<br />

Food crops that abound in the State include yam, cocoyam, maize,<br />

plantain/banana, rice, beans, tomatoes and varieties <strong>of</strong> vegetables (Table 2).<br />

Table 1: Cash Crop widely cultivated in Ekiti State<br />

S/N Crop Location Uses<br />

1 Cocoa Ise, Emure, Ilawe, Ado, Igede, Igbara Odo, Cocoa butter, Cocoa<br />

Aramoko, Ikoro<br />

Powder, Beverages, Cocoa<br />

Liquor and Export<br />

2 Oil Palm Spread across the state Vegetable Oil, Spices,<br />

Flavoring and Export<br />

3 Kola Nut Ikoro, Igede, Ise and generally in the forest Stimulants and export<br />

zone<br />

4 Plantain/ Widespread across the state Plantain Flour, Plantain<br />

Banana<br />

Beer, Plantain Balls and<br />

Chips/Crape<br />

5 Cashew Northern part <strong>of</strong> the state Oil, Nut and for export<br />

6 Citrus Widespread across the state Fruit juice, Fruit wine and<br />

for export<br />

7 Timber Southern part <strong>of</strong> the state Tyre manufacturing, Crepe<br />

and for export<br />

8 Timber Ijero, Ise, Ikere, Aramoko, Ado, Ilawe Log, Planks, Panel Furniture<br />

and for export<br />

3


Table 2:<br />

Arable Crops widely cultivated in Ekiti State<br />

S/N Crop Highly Cultivated LGAs Industrial Uses/Products<br />

1 Rice Irepodun/Ifelodun Ekiti West, Ikole, Ekiti Flour, Grits, Grains<br />

East<br />

2 Yam Widely cultivated across the State Yam Flour<br />

3 Cassava Widely cultivated across the State Garri, Starch, Adhesive,<br />

Mosquito Expeller,<br />

Livestock Feeds, Chips,<br />

Yeast, Alcohol Products<br />

4 Maize Widely cultivated across the State Maize, Grit, Corn Flour<br />

5 Cowpea Northern Part <strong>of</strong> the State Grits, Flour<br />

6 Plantain & Widely cultivated Plantain Flour, Plantain<br />

Banana<br />

Chips/Crepe, Plantain Juice<br />

and Beer<br />

Food culture and habit is roots and tubers based, but cereals, plantain, bananas are also<br />

significant crops in the State. Mixed cropping is predominant and aquaculture practice is<br />

growing rapidly. Goats, sheep and bush meat are preferred delicacies. <strong>The</strong> soil is fertile,<br />

but the use <strong>of</strong> fertilizers has increased remarkably in recent times. Among the tree crops<br />

cultivated in the State, the most important are cocoa, oil palm and citrus.<br />

2.2 Sampling and Data Collection<br />

<strong>The</strong> multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the village groups. <strong>The</strong><br />

two EKADEP zones were used and three blocks were randomly selected from zone 1 and<br />

two blocks from zone 2. One to six extension village groups were randomly selected<br />

from each block which gave a total <strong>of</strong> twenty-two village groups (Table 3). Information<br />

was elucidated from the Focus Group Discussion participants with the use <strong>of</strong> a<br />

standardized diagnostic survey interview guide. <strong>The</strong> field research work was carried out<br />

from 7 th to 11 th December, 2009.<br />

4


3.0 DATA AND FINDINGS<br />

This section presents the data obtained and discusses the findings, during the PRA<br />

field work in Ekiti State. Data on the characteristics <strong>of</strong> the participants at the Focus<br />

Group Discussion (FGD) along gender lines, to include the total number <strong>of</strong> male and<br />

female, the major tribes <strong>of</strong> the communities, their age brackets, primary and secondary<br />

occupations were presented in this section.<br />

3.1 <br />

A.1 Table 3 presents the total number <strong>of</strong> Focus Group Discussion participants<br />

according to EKADEP zones and sites which consist <strong>of</strong> homogeneous villages. Majority<br />

(76.7%) <strong>of</strong> the overall number <strong>of</strong> participants were male while the female participants<br />

were less than one quarter (23.3%). This data implies that more men than women are<br />

actively involved in farming activities in Ekiti State.<br />

EKADEP<br />

ZONES<br />

1 (a)<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

2 (a)<br />

(b)<br />

Table 3:<br />

Total Number <strong>of</strong> Focus Group Discussion (FGD) participants<br />

according to EKADEP Sites<br />

BLOCK<br />

OFFICE<br />

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION SITE AND VILLAGES<br />

FGD<br />

FGD VILLAGES<br />

SEX<br />

SITES<br />

M F TOTAL<br />

Iddo/Osi Block Orin site Ifaki, Orin, Ora, Aaye, Ifisin,<br />

Igbole 30 9 39<br />

Iddo site Iddo, Usin, Ayetoro, Ilogbo, Osi,<br />

13 1 14<br />

Aramoko Aramoko Ile Ona, Ikogosi, Aramoko<br />

Block<br />

Site<br />

10 2 12<br />

Efon<br />

Efon-Alaaye Obake, Iwaji, Efon, Itawure<br />

site<br />

10 5 15<br />

Ikole Block Odo-Oro Ikole, Odo-Oro<br />

Site<br />

11 4 15<br />

Ode-Agbado Ode site Ode 6 - 6<br />

Block<br />

Agbado site Agbado 9 6 15<br />

Total 89 27 116<br />

TOTAL MALE = 89 (76.7%)<br />

TOTAL FEMALE = 27 (23.3%)<br />

5


A.2 <strong>The</strong> major tribes in the State is the Yoruba ethnic group (especially <strong>of</strong> Ekiti<br />

dialect) while other tribes namely Ebira, Nupe, Igede, Urhobo, Igala, Ibo and Hausa were<br />

also observed as migrant farmers in the State, who also formed the bulk <strong>of</strong> farm labour.<br />

A.3 <strong>The</strong> list <strong>of</strong> social infrastructures available in the FGD Communities in Ekiti State<br />

is presented on Table 4.<br />

6


Table 4: Infrastructural Facilities Status <strong>of</strong> the Selected Villages / Sites<br />

S/N<br />

FGD<br />

Location/Village<br />

Primary<br />

Schools<br />

Secondary<br />

Schools<br />

Post Sec.<br />

Schools<br />

Churches<br />

Mosques<br />

Shrines<br />

Petrol<br />

Station<br />

Pry Health<br />

Centre<br />

Maternity<br />

Medicine<br />

Shop<br />

Pharmacy<br />

Zone 1<br />

Ifaki 8 2 1 45 4 10 5 5 4 30 -<br />

1.<br />

2. Orin 4 1 - 15 1 4 1 2 2 -<br />

3. Ora 13 1 - 7 1 4 1 2 3 -<br />

4. Aaye Aaye 2 1 - 7 1 4 - 1 2 -<br />

5. Ifisin 2 1 - 8 1 3 - 1 2 -<br />

6. Igbole 2 1 - 8 1 4 - 1 3 -<br />

7. Iddo<br />

8. Usin<br />

9. Ayetoro<br />

10. Ilogbo<br />

11. Osi<br />

12. Ile Ona 4 2 - 4 4 - - 4 1 2 -<br />

13. Ikogosi 6 2 - 18 6 - - 5 1 6 -<br />

14. Aramoko 16 6 1 50 8 9 7 11 2 100 1<br />

15. Obake 2 - - 4 1 1 - 1 - - -<br />

16. Iwaji 2 - - 2 1 1 - 1 1 1 -<br />

17. Efon-Alaye 50 16 - 102 3 8 4 10 20 50 1<br />

18. Itawure 3 1 - 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 -<br />

Zone 2<br />

19. Ode 10 5 - 30 2 15 1 3 3 3 -<br />

20. Agbado 14 3 - 48 7 10 2 4 2 8 -<br />

21. Odo-Oro 5 2 - 12 5 3 1 2 1 8 1<br />

22. Isaba 6 1 - 10 1 1 - 1 1 -<br />

23. Ayedun 10 3 - 20 1 - 2 2 1 -<br />

24. Asin 6 4 - 30 1 1 - 2 - -<br />

25. Ushin 5 - - 10 - - 1 - - -<br />

26. Ikole<br />

One striking observation is that is no village community that does not have<br />

schools (especially primary schools). <strong>The</strong> people value and pursue education<br />

<br />

7


A.4 <strong>The</strong> coordinates <strong>of</strong> the communities taken and recorded during the field research<br />

work are presented on Table 5 below.<br />

Table 5: Coordinates <strong>of</strong> Selected FGD Locations in Ekiti State<br />

S/N Location/Site Northern Eastern Altitude<br />

1.<br />

2.<br />

3.<br />

4.<br />

5.<br />

6.<br />

7.<br />

8.<br />

9.<br />

10.<br />

11.<br />

12.<br />

13.<br />

14.<br />

15.<br />

16.<br />

Agbado (Isharun Qtrs)<br />

Resident <strong>of</strong> ADP Agent<br />

Ext. Block Office (Ode) Ode-Ekiti<br />

Palm Oil Press (Oyo)<br />

Ilu Omoba-Ekiti<br />

Aramoko (ADP) Office<br />

Itawure<br />

Efon-Alaaye (Hall)<br />

Odo-Oro (Hall)<br />

Orin Ekiti (Village)<br />

Nearest tarred Road<br />

Iddo Ekiti<br />

Ora Ekiti<br />

Aaye Ekiti<br />

Ifaki<br />

Odo Oro (Village town)<br />

ADP Hqtrs (Ikole-Ekiti)<br />

Min. <strong>of</strong> Agric. (Ado-Ekiti)<br />

7.59077<br />

7.58960<br />

7.64676<br />

7.64677<br />

7.71109<br />

7.72613<br />

7.65135<br />

7.83273<br />

7.83274<br />

7.83150<br />

7.84518<br />

7.82085<br />

7.80288<br />

7.78821<br />

7.78878<br />

7.80375<br />

7.63330<br />

5.51679<br />

5.51996<br />

5.56082<br />

5.42315<br />

5.03291<br />

4.95239<br />

4.92206<br />

5.52142<br />

5.23880<br />

5.23687<br />

5.18172<br />

5.21957<br />

5.21886<br />

5.24353<br />

5.52142<br />

5.49787<br />

5.20180<br />

392m<br />

380m<br />

413m<br />

379m<br />

575m<br />

441m<br />

561m<br />

590m<br />

568m<br />

575m<br />

580m<br />

572m<br />

578m<br />

578m<br />

590m<br />

564m<br />

454m<br />

A.5 Means <strong>of</strong> transportation available to the farmers in the FGD communities were<br />

mainly commercial motorcycles (popularly known as Okada) and motor cars. <strong>The</strong><br />

<br />

the markets. A few (5%) still use bicycles.<br />

A.6 Age category <strong>of</strong> FGD participants along gender line.<br />

Table 6 below shows the age category <strong>of</strong> the FGD participants.<br />

8


Table 6: Age category <strong>of</strong> FGD participants<br />

FGD<br />

Below 30years 31 50 years 75% Total<br />

Sites<br />

Male Female Male Female Male Female<br />

Orin 1 - 9 6 19 2 37<br />

Iddo 0 0 8 1 6 0 15<br />

Aramoko 0 0 5 1 3 0 9<br />

Efon-Alaaye 1 0 3 2 7 5 18<br />

Odo-Oro 0 0 7 4 4 0 15<br />

Ode 0 0 2 0 4 0 6<br />

Agbado 0 0 5 1 4 5 15<br />

Total (%) 2<br />

(1.7%)<br />

0<br />

(0)<br />

39<br />

(33.9%)<br />

15<br />

(13.1%)<br />

47<br />

(40.9%)<br />

12<br />

(10.4%)<br />

115<br />

(100%)<br />

A.7 Primary Occupation <strong>of</strong> the FGD participants<br />

<strong>The</strong> primary occupation <strong>of</strong> the FGD participants in Ekiti State is farming (60% to<br />

70%), while the secondary occupation include artisan (20%), trading (10%), civil<br />

servants (10%), hunting (3% - 10%) and labourer (2%). All the FGD female participants<br />

d processing. All their children that are<br />

<strong>of</strong> school age were all in schools; as education is given high priority in the State.<br />

A.8 Type <strong>of</strong> training common to the farmers<br />

<strong>The</strong> FGD participants received regular trainings on their agricultural production<br />

crops, livestock, beekeeping, snail rearing, and management <strong>of</strong> micro-credits/loans given<br />

them. <strong>The</strong>se trainings were organized and conducted by the Ekiti State Agricultural<br />

Development Programme (EKADE), NIHORT, FADAMA and National Programme on<br />

Food Security (NPFS).<br />

A.9 Average yield from crop<br />

<strong>The</strong> average yield in metric tonne per hectare <strong>of</strong> the major crops grown in Ekiti is<br />

shown on Table 7.<br />

9


Table 7 Yield (mt per Ha)<br />

S/N Crop Name 2007/2008<br />

Dry season<br />

2008<br />

Wet<br />

season<br />

Total<br />

2008<br />

2008/2009<br />

Dry season<br />

2009 Wet<br />

season<br />

Total<br />

2009<br />

% Change<br />

Dry<br />

season<br />

A Root and Tubers<br />

Cassava 19.06 19.06<br />

Yam 18.65 18.65<br />

Cocoyam 11.5 11.5<br />

Sweet Potato 7.3 7.3<br />

B Cereals<br />

Maize 2.16 2.1 2.1 2.08 2.08 -3.7 -0.95<br />

7 Rice 1.79 2 2 1.75 1.75 -2.23 -12.5<br />

C8 Legumes<br />

9 Cowpea 1.33 1.33 1.79 1.79 34.59<br />

10 Soyabean 1.3 1.3 5.4 5.4 315.38<br />

D Others<br />

1 Melon 1.64 1.64 2.27 2.2.7 38.41<br />

2 Leafy Vegetable 4.86 4.34 4.57 4.69 4.69 -3.5 2.63<br />

3 Okro 3.4 4.19 3.83 3.13 3.13 -7.94 -18.28<br />

4 Tomato 3.12 3.1 3.1 2.84 2.84 -8.97 -8.39<br />

5 Pepper 1.25 1.25 1.8 1.8 44<br />

6 Lettuce 1.91 1.91 1.39 1.39 -27.23 -27.23<br />

%<br />

Change<br />

Wet<br />

season<br />

% Change<br />

Total<br />

10


A.10 Primary and Secondary Sources <strong>of</strong> Income<br />

<br />

earnings on crops and livestock sales, while the secondary sources <strong>of</strong> their income come<br />

from micro-credits and loans from State governments, NPFS, FADAMA programmes.<br />

A. 11 Credit Sources for farming<br />

<strong>The</strong> credit sources for farming in the FGD locations in Ekiti State include Interest<br />

free micro-credits or loans from State governments, NPFS, ADP, NERICA rice project.<br />

3.2 Crop/Livestock<br />

<strong>The</strong> crops produced in the study area include maize, cassava, white yam, water<br />

yam, plantain, banana, oil palm, cocoyam, tomato, rice (NERICA project), beans, melon,<br />

cocoa, orange, pineapple, pawpaw, walnut, sugarcane, kolanut, mushroom, fluted<br />

pumpkin (Ugwu), Economic <br />

<br />

Livestock include Cattle, sheep, goat, duck, chicken (fowl), rabbit, pigs (Piggery).<br />

Farm implements/equipments mainly utilized by the FGD include mostly crude<br />

implements like hoes and cutlasses.<br />

3.2.1 Sources <strong>of</strong> Farm Inputs in the FGD<br />

(a) Hoes and cutlasses are bought by farmers from the markets.<br />

(b) Fertilizers and pesticides are being purchased from private individuals and retail<br />

shops. Inputs are therefore expensive for the FGD participants. <strong>The</strong>y suggested<br />

that EKADEP should be allowed to handle agricultural inputs distribution to<br />

Farmers.<br />

(c) Seeds and seedlings are distributed by EKADEP in collaboration with<br />

Agricultural Input Supply Company (AISC).<br />

11


3.2.2 Forest and Wildlife Products<br />

Indigenous trees in Ekiti State include Iroko, Mahogany (Khaya spp), Obeche<br />

(Triplochiton spp), Orin dudu (Eki), Teak.<br />

3.2.3 Fisheries Practices and Species<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is presently no river body or lake in Ekiti State hence existing fishery<br />

practices includes mainly the use <strong>of</strong> fish ponds mostly by medium scale fish producers.<br />

Aquaculture practices for producing Cat fish mainly is being engaged in by very few<br />

farmers.<br />

3.2.4 Frequency <strong>of</strong> visit by Extension Agent<br />

All the FGD participants said that the EKADEP extension agents visit them<br />

regularly and frequently.<br />

4.0 Areas <strong>of</strong> Interventions<br />

Note: AMREC/UNAAB SOYA BEAN PRODUCTION PROJECT AT ODO-ORO<br />

SITE<br />

Five years ago (2005) AMREC/UNAAB under Pr<strong>of</strong>. Yahaya Adeoti (Director)<br />

introduced Soyabean to Odo-oro and they produced in tones. But when it was time to<br />

sell, Nestle Nig. Plc came and <strong>of</strong>fered the farmers N50 per kg, whereas the cost <strong>of</strong><br />

production alone incurred by the farmers was in range <strong>of</strong> N70 per kg. <strong>The</strong> farmers had no<br />

choice but to finally sell their produce at loss. This situation discouraged the farmers<br />

from planting soyabean in the following season.<br />

Hence, when AMREC/UNAAB under Pr<strong>of</strong>. Akin Omotayo (Director) returned<br />

back to Odo-Oro, and <strong>of</strong>fered N80 per kg buying price, to encourage the farmers to<br />

produce Soyabeans; Very few farmers planted Soyabeans and in fact did not harvest<br />

because <strong>of</strong> multiple production problems encountered that period and so when NESTLE<br />

Nig. Plc returned back, there was visually nothing to buy. In 2008 and 2009, Mr. Adeniji<br />

and his team from AMREC/UNAAB, came back to encourage the farmers to produce<br />

Soyabeans, but to date the farmers refused to plant. When asked to suggest solution to<br />

12


this problem, the farmers recommended that both AMREC/UNAAB and NESTLE Nig.<br />

Plc should give farmers loan in kind (in form <strong>of</strong> certified seeds <strong>of</strong> improved Soyabean<br />

variety, insecticides, pesticides etc) and give them assurance that their harvested<br />

Soyabeans will surely be bought by NESTLE at a price pr<strong>of</strong>itable to the farmers.<br />

Other conditions are as follow:<br />

(1) <strong>The</strong>re should be concrete agreement on the price (to favour the farmers)<br />

(2) Farmers should be given deposit to start Soyabean production<br />

(3) Give a month notice to intimate the farmers on production<br />

(4) Any monetary assistance or loan for the production should be given between June<br />

15, and July 15 because this is the best period to plant Soyabean<br />

(5) Certified seeds should be supplied to the farmers<br />

(6) Other inputs like tractors and planters should be provided<br />

5. 0 CONSTRAINTS / PROBLEMS IN AGRICULTURE<br />

<strong>The</strong> major constraints or problems to <strong>Agriculture</strong> in the FGD communities<br />

include lack <strong>of</strong> fund for farming operations, untimely release <strong>of</strong> micro-credit facilities<br />

from the <strong>Federal</strong>/State governments, untimely release <strong>of</strong> production inputs such as<br />

fertilizers, tractor hiring services, poor transportation, storage problems, bad roads, labour<br />

scarcity, crop diseases especially bacterial wilt <strong>of</strong> tomatoes.<br />

6. 0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION<br />

<strong>The</strong> array <strong>of</strong> information obtained so far from this field diagnostic survey among<br />

Focus Group Discussion participants in Ekiti State imply that there are very important<br />

needs and problems facing the State farmers that have hitherto been taken for granted or<br />

overlooked by previous research and government intervention efforts. Little wonder then<br />

<br />

It is hereby recommended that these identified problems and needs should be<br />

researched on comprehensively and in great depth in order to provide lasting solutions to<br />

them.<br />

13


REFERENCES<br />

Ado-Ekiti: Ekiti<br />

State Government Press.<br />

Fajardo, F. R. (1985): Economic Development. Manila, Philippines: National Book<br />

Store Inc. 112-114pp.<br />

Nabasa J, G. Rufwara, F. Walker and C. Were (1995): Participatory Rural Appraisal:<br />

Practical Experiences. Chatham, U. K: Natural Resources Institute (NRI) pp. 1-<br />

49.<br />

UNAAB (2007): <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong> <strong>Abeokuta</strong>, Nigeria. 2005/2006 and<br />

2006/2007 Undergraduate Prospectus <strong>Abeokuta</strong>: UNAAB. p. 14<br />

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APPENDIX

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