Socio-economic characteristics influencing farm household participation in gandu system in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria

Yusuf, H. A.*, Omokore, D. F. , Akinola, M. O. and Omolehin, R. A.

Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, P.M.B. 1044, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: turai74@yahoo.co.uk

Accepted 2 August, 2011

 Abstract

The study aims at determining the socio-economic characteristics influencing farm household participation in gandu system. The data for this study were obtained by the use of structured interview schedule. A total sample size of 140 households was interviewed consisting of 70 gandu and 70 non-gandu participants. Descriptive statistics and logit regression model were used to analyse the data collected. The results of the study indicated that  household size (X₂) and extension contact (X₆) significantly influence participation in gandu system at 1%  level of probability while age of household head (X₁) significantly influence it at 5% level of probability and migration (X₅) was significant at 10% level of probability. Hence, it is recommended that extension contact should be targeted towards the gandu heads who are usually traditionally bound. It is also suggested that, adult literacy classes should be organised for the farmers by the local government so as to improve their literacy level and enable them to understand technical recommendations made by extension agents. In order to discourage migration of youth to urban areas, infrastructural facilities and social amenities such as water, electricity, roads, schools and hospitals should be provided.

Key words: Gandu, participation, socio-economic characteristics, Katsina State.