FACTORS AFFECTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examined the factors affecting agricultural production in Ovia North East Local Government Area in Edo State. Five research questions were raised to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study comprised two hundred and twenty-nine thousand, five hundred (229,500) residents of Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The sample of the study was made up of two hundred and twenty-nine (229) residents of Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The questionnaire was titled "Factors Affecting Agricultural Production in Ovia North East Local Government Area Questionnaire (FAAPONELGAQ)". It was segmented into two (2) sections. Section A consisted of questions on the demographic characteristics of respondents such as gender and educational status, while Section B contained 25 question items in which were raised from each research questions. The instrument for data collection was based on face validity by the researcher's supervisor and another expert from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City. To establish the reliability of the instrument that was used for the study, the internal consistency of the items was employed by using Cronbach alpha formula. The instrument was administered to 20 individuals who were not part of the study population. The responses of the respondents were analyzed and a coefficient of 0.81 was obtained, which showed that the instrument was reliable. The findings revealed that Climate Change, Fulani Herdsmen Invasion, Farmers’ Inability to Access Loans, Farmers' Security and Farmers' Inability to Access Modernized Machineries significantly affect agricultural production in Ovia North East Local Government Area in high extent. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that the factors that affect agricultural production can be checked by the use of multifaceted approach like government policies, financial institutions and technological advancement. It was recommended among others that there should be promotion of collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders to address agricultural challenges