Choice and demand for improved legume seeds in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the nature of demand for improved legume seeds among farmers in Kano State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 250 farmers from two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the State using multistage sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, multivariate probit regression model and a censored Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) model. The results showed that farm size, years of farming experience, access to credit, membership of cooperative association and visitation by extension agents influenced their choice of improved legume seeds. Also, the result showed that farmers were sensitive to changes in their incomes as well as to the prices of the different improved legume seeds. The results therefore recommended that improved legume seeds should be subsidized as this will encourage farmers to use the improved seeds.

Keywords

• improved varieties
• inverse mills ratio
• elasticities
• own-price
• cross-price
• determinants