FACTORS INFLUENCING LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION IN WOMEN-IN-AGRICULTUREAND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT (WAYE) PROGAMME BY IRISH POTATO PRODUCTION FARMERS INPLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

In Nigeria, Irish potato production has enhanced food availability, reduction in rural poverty and unemployment, agro-industrial and socio-economic growth in the country. The increasing demand for Irish potato as food, industrial raw materials, income and employment generation has stimulated the need for increased in its production. This paper examines factors influencing the level of participation in Women-in-Agriculture and Youth Empowerment (WAYE) programme by Irish potato farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria.  Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 200 registered Irish potato farmers. Data were obtained through a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and tobit regression model were employed for data analysis. The results on level of participation revealed that about 31% and 39% (70%) of the participating WAYE farmers had participating index ranging from 0.61 – 0.80 and 0.81 – 1.00 respectively. The mean index value for the participating farmers in these categories was 0.68 and 0.81 respectively while the standard deviation was 0.023 and 0.021 respectively. The results of tobit regression analysis revealed that the coefficients of the variables such as age, household-size, farm size, farming experience, credit amount, cooperative associations and extension contact were found to influence the level of participation in the WAYE programme. High cost of labour, delay in input supply, insecurity of farmers and poor marketing of produce were among the constraints limiting Irish potato production in the area. It was therefore recommended that government agencies should make timely distribution of farm inputs to farmers at affordable prices.