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ANALYSIS OF AGROCHEMICAL USAGE AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA FARMERS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Author(s): Ibidapo, I.
Volume/Issue: Volume 6 , Issue 1(2026)
ABSTRACT:
This study analysed usage of agrochemicals among small-scale cocoa farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty cocoa farmers were selected through multistage sampling procedure. Information on socio-demographic variables, frequency and effects of agrochemicals usage were elicited using semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics (frequency distribution counts, mean, and standard deviations) t-test analysis and double hurdle model. Results showed the mean age of cocoa farmers was 47.7±7.5 years, 55.4% were male, 61.7% were married and 52.5% had primary education. Common agrochemicals used by cocoa farmers were herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers. Wearing of gloves and boots, protective clothes and adherence to manufacturers’ instructions were mechanisms adopted to mitigate hazards of agrochemicals usage on farm. T-test analysis revealed a significant difference between male and female headed households in the usage of agrochemicals (t = 5.642; df = 1; p≤ 0.001) at 5% level of significance. Results of the double hurdle model revealed that age(β=0.062), education(β=0.118), income(β=0.084), cultivated farm size(β=0.018) and access to credit(β=0.084) were the significant variables influencing the use of agrochemicals while frequency of usage was enhanced by age(β=- 0.013), education(β=-0.075), access to personal protective equipment(β=0.005), farm income(β=0.061) and farm size(β=-0.014). Agrochemicals help to increase yield, control weeds, pests and diseases on cocoa farm. It was recommended that education and training on agrochemicals usage, credit facilities and provision of protective equipment should be provided by government while use of protective equipment should be encouraged.
KEYWORDS:
Agrochemicals, fertilizers, herbicides, protective equipment, small-scale farmers.
