Determinants of Market Participation by Maize and Cassava Farmers

This study analysed market participation by maize and cassava farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. The sample was selected via multistage sampling technique. Data were collected from 80 maize farmers and 80 cassava farmers in peri-urban and rural areas. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, truncated regression analysis, T- and chow tests. Results revealed that the extent of agricultural commercialization in rural area (66.6%) was higher than peri-urban (65%) area under maize enterprise, while the reverse was the case with cassava enterprise with 64.94% and 69.35% for rural area and peri-urban area respectively. It was observed that age, experience, cropping system, farm size, land tenure, quantity of harvested output and unit price of output had significant influence on the intensity of market participation by maize farmers. For the cassava farmers, age, gender, farm size, source of market information, unit price of output, land tenure, household size, experience and non-farm income significantly influenced the intensity of market participation. It is recommended that well equipped market centers in various villages should be established.