DETERMINANTS OF FARMERS’ WILLINGNESS TO PROCESS TOMATO FRUIT IN OGUN STATE, SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analyzed the determinants of farmer’s willingness to process tomato in Ogun State. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in study area and determined the factors influencing willingness to process tomato in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select one hundred and eight (108) respondents from three local governments where tomato fruit is extensively cultivated. Data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics and a binary equation model (logistic regression).  The result revealed that majority of the respondents were less than 40 years of age, male, married and educated. The binary logistic estimates revealed that income (p<0.05), operating system (p<0.01), and family size (p<0.1) positively and significantly affected the willingness to process tomatoes in the study area, while lack of awareness had a negative and significant effect on the willingness to process tomatoes in the study area. We therefore recommend that seminars on how to improve on operating systems and maximize profit in tomato processing should be advocated by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or private investors in the study area. Also, awareness about the benefits in processing of tomatoes should also be created in the study area.