ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS’ KNOWLEDGE ON CONTRACT FARMING IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study analyzed the level of farmers' knowledge on contract farming in Kwara State, Nigeria. It described their socioeconomic characteristics, examined the knowledge of the respondents about contract farming, investigated their sources of information, examined attitudes toward contract farming and assessed participation levels.  A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 152 farmers. Data were collected through a structured interview divided into five sections. The analysis employed descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and ranking) and inferential statistics (ordinal logistic regression). The majority of respondents were male (94.7%) and married (96.1%), with 75.0% having completed tertiary education. Over half (90.8%) of the farmers demonstrated knowledge of contract farming, with an average of 4.2 years of experience in the field Findings showed that farmers relied heavily on extension agents for agricultural information (73.2%).  The result of the ordinary logistic regression indicated that Knowledge of contract farming among respondents is significantly influenced by marital status, income, association membership, and farm size. Therefore, it is recommended that extension organizations continue to support farmers’ development in this sector, provide detailed information on contract terms, and improve various information channels. Farmers' attitudes during the contract should always be addressed and aligned with the contract agreement.