Effect of Agriculture Promotion Policy on Farm Productivity in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the effect of agriculture promotion policy on farm productivity in Ogun State. Specifically, the study seeks to verify the effect of agriculture promotion policy on productivity in Ogun State. There are claims that recent agriculture policy led to increased food production, yet quality output in terms of improved yield and nutrition value is relatively low due to low productivity. The problem of low productivity in the agricultural sector is attributed to several factors including inefficient extension services, low level of adoption of improved seedlings, poor inputs quality and inefficient input distribution system, ineffective and inadequate mechanisation and irrigation facilities, poor access to credit, poorly managed soil fertility profile and aging farmer population. Objective of the study is to examine the effect of agriculture promotion policy on farm productivity in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methodology used in the study was a descriptive survey designed with the aid of administration of questionnaire to collect data from key respondents. Two hundred and eighty-three (283) samples were derived using Taro Yamane statistical formula. Using random sampling techniques, two hundred and thirty six (236) respondents comprising of farmers, agripreneurs, members of commodity associations returned the questionnaires. The study used regression analysis to determine the effect of agriculture promotion policy on farm productivity and analysed research hypotheses using SPSS version 20. The findings of the study reveal that agriculture promotion policy has a positive significant effect on farm productivity indicated by (coefficient of 0.353, f test= 86.568 and p=0.000). The study recommended that since Ogun State has no agriculture research centers, collaborations with agricultural research centers is vital to improve varieties of seeds, livestock and other input.