David Gomez | Benue State University, Makurdi - Nigeria (original) (raw)

Papers by David Gomez

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Market Channels and Prices on the Income and Livelihood of Cashew Farmers in Kombo South District of the Gambia

Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 2022

This study examined the effect of market channels and prices on the income and livelihood of cash... more This study examined the effect of market channels and prices on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers in Kombo South District of The Gambia. The objectives of the study were to ascertain include the types of market channels and their impacts on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers. A sample of 384 cashew famers was selected from Kombo South District using Taro Yamane formula. The findings of the study revealed that the main actors in the cashew market channels were wholesalers and retailers who serve as middlemen and they impose prices on the farmers. The findings also indicated that majority of the farmers sold their raw cashew nuts at a low price in 2020 than the previous year. The findings indicate that highlighted that market channels dictate prices and therefore affect the income and livelihoods of farmers, and also cause loss of jobs in plantations. The study therefore recommended that Cashew farmers should form cooperative societies as this will be the easiest channel through which their predicaments can be heard, and other benefits such as insecticides, fertilizers, soft loans and even grants can be Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of An Assessment of Diverse Labour Sources used in Rice Production in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State

The study investigates the various sources of labour used for rice production in Guma Local Gover... more The study investigates the various sources of labour used for rice production in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The main purpose of the study was to find out the various sources of agricultural labour available for use in rice production, to ascertain the most preferred source of labour and the reasons for the preference and to also ascertain the relationship between the source of labour used and the size of rice farm cultivated. The study adopted a survey research design with a population of 5125 smallholder rice farmers, out of which 371 respondents were sampled using the multi-stage sampling strategy (Purposive and simple random sampling techniques). The instrument used for data collection was structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data collected was(were) analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS 20.0) from which simple frequencies and percentages were presented in tables to answer the research questions, while chi-square was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that agricultural labour comes from six main sources: family, friends, hired, cooperative, rotational (Himbe) as well as mechanized labour. Out of these, family labour was preferred because it is readily available and affordable. The findings also revealed that there is a significant relationship between the source of labour used and the size of rice farm cultivated. Based on these findings, it was recommended that: mechanization is the best solution to ensure maximum productivity and increase in rice yield, thus farmers should make deliberate efforts to leverage on the assistance from the government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to them to purchase farm machineries like tractors, planters, harvesters, threshers and mechanize their farms. The government and other stakeholders should also ensure the security of rural farmers to guarantee sustainable food production in the country

Research paper thumbnail of The Nature of Postharvest Losses of Rice among Rice Farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State Nigeria

Asian Food Science Journal, 2021

This study examined the nature of postharvest losses of rice in Makurdi Local Government Area of ... more This study examined the nature of postharvest losses of rice in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The study specifically examined the stages of the postharvest losses of rice. A sample of 399 rice producers were drawn in Makurdi using the Taro Yamane formula. Quantitative data collection techniques were used to elicit information from respondents. The findings from the study revealed that, the nature postharvest losses of rice start from harvest to consumption stage, with threshing recording the highest loss of 27%. However, the total losses from all the stages are between 37%-40%. The study therefore recommended sensitization of farmers through the relevant agricultural agencies on postproduction of rice, establishment of reserves for the preservation of rice, linking farmers with agro-processing equipment available in state or those at national research institute at an affordable price, plus farmers to take advantage of cooperatives to benefit from agricultural project...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Rice Value Chain Programme on Rice Production in the Gambia

This study on the effects of rice value chain programme on rice farmers' production was conducted... more This study on the effects of rice value chain programme on rice farmers' production was conducted in the Central River Region of the Gambia. The objective of the study seeks the effect of the rice value chain programme on rice farmers' production in Central River Region of The Gambia. The instruments used for data collection was Focus Group Discussion and In-Depth Interview. The study selected two (2) of the districts from Kuntaur Local Government Area and three (3) from Janjanbureh Local Government Area using purposive sampling technique after which simple random sampling technique was used to select sixteen (16) villages out of which three hundred and eighty-four (384) farmers were randomly selected for the study. The data collected was transcribed for all the focus group and interview comments, the comments were rearranged to have answers which were grouped together for each interview protocol. The findings revealed that, farmers benefitted from the rice value chain programme through interventions such as; available improved seed varieties and fertilizer which have improved rice production. However, challenges still exist in the form of insufficient fertilizer, seeds and market structures. From these findings, it is recommended that Non-Governmental Organizations and investors should supplement government efforts by providing sufficient and quality inputs (seed/fertilizer/machinery) and credit facilities to the rice farmers at a subsidized rate and on time and strengthen the linkages between farmer groups/cooperatives with buyers (Producer-Buyer linkage) for easy market access.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Market Channels and Prices on the Income and Livelihood of Cashew Farmers in Kombo South District of the Gambia

This study examined the effect of market channels and prices on the income and livelihood of cash... more This study examined the effect of market channels and prices on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers in Kombo South District of The Gambia. The objectives of the study were to ascertain include the types of market channels and their impacts on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers. A sample of 384 cashew famers was selected from Kombo South District using Taro Yamane formula. The findings of the study revealed that the main actors in the cashew market channels were wholesalers and retailers who serve as middlemen and they impose prices on the farmers. The findings also indicated that majority of the farmers sold their raw cashew nuts at a low price in 2020 than the previous year. The findings indicate that highlighted that market channels dictate prices and therefore affect the income and livelihoods of farmers, and also cause loss of jobs in plantations. The study therefore recommended that Cashew farmers should form cooperative societies as this will be the easiest channel through which their predicaments can be heard, and other benefits such as insecticides, fertilizers, soft loans and even grants can be Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of An Assessment of Diverse Labour Sources used in Rice Production in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State

The study investigates the various sources of labour used for rice production in Guma Local Gover... more The study investigates the various sources of labour used for rice production in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The main purpose of the study was to find out the various sources of agricultural labour available for use in rice production, to ascertain the most preferred source of labour and the reasons for the preference and to also ascertain the relationship between the source of labour used and the size of rice farm cultivated. The study adopted a survey research design with a population of 5125 smallholder rice farmers, out of which 371 respondents were sampled using the multi-stage sampling strategy (Purposive and simple random sampling techniques). The instrument used for data collection was structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data collected was(were) analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS 20.0) from which simple frequencies and percentages were presented in tables to answer the research questions, while chi-square was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that agricultural labour comes from six main sources: family, friends, hired, cooperative, rotational (Himbe) as well as mechanized labour. Out of these, family labour was preferred because it is readily available and affordable. The findings also revealed that there is a significant relationship between the source of labour used and the size of rice farm cultivated. Based on these findings, it was recommended that: mechanization is the best solution to ensure maximum productivity and increase in rice yield, thus farmers should make deliberate efforts to leverage on the assistance from the government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to them to purchase farm machineries like tractors, planters, harvesters, threshers and mechanize their farms. The government and other stakeholders should also ensure the security of rural farmers to guarantee sustainable food production in the country

Research paper thumbnail of THE NATURE OF RICE VALUE CHAIN PROGRAMME IN THE CENTRAL RIVER REGION, THE GAMBIA

This study focused on the nature of the rice value chain programme in the Central River Region of... more This study focused on the nature of the rice value chain programme in the Central River Region of The Gambia. The instruments used for data collection was Focus Group Discussion and in-depth interview. Simple random sampling was used to select sixteen (16) villages out of which three hundred and eighty-four (384) farmers were used for the study. The data collected were transcribed for all the focus group comments; the comments were rearranged to have answers grouped for each interview protocol. The main ideas were organized into themes to generate an idea or ideas and quotations were identified for each theme. The findings were written in a narrative to describe the themes with quotations. Regarding the quantitative analysis, simple descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages were used for the surveyed data collected from the rice farmers and key informants. However, challenges ranging from inadequate machinery, fertilizer, seeds and market structures were some of the problems reported. From these findings it is recommended that Non-Governmental Organizations and investors should supplement government efforts by providing sufficient and quality inputs (seed/fertilizer/machinery) and credit facilities to the rice farmers at a subsidized rate and on time and strengthen the linkages between farmer groups/cooperatives with buyers (Producer-Buyer linkage) for easy market access.

Research paper thumbnail of The Experience of Farmers under the Rice Value Chain Programme in the Gambia

This study on the assess the nature of the rice value chain programme; the experiences of rice fa... more This study on the assess the nature of the rice value chain programme; the experiences of rice farmers under the rice value chain programme in the Central River Region of the Gambia. The instruments used for data collection was Focus Group Discussion and in-depth interview. Simple random sampling was used to select sixteen (16) villages out of which three hundred and eighty-four (384) farmers were used for the study. The data collected were transcribed for all the focus group comments, the comments were rearranged to have answers grouped together for each interview protocol. The main ideas were organized into themes to generate an idea or ideas and quotations were identified for each theme. The findings were written in narrative to describe the themes with quotations. Regarding the quantitative analysis, simple descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages were used for the surveyed data collected from the rice farmers and key informants. From the findings it was revealed that, farmers from the study area. From these findings it is recommended that Non-Governmental Organizations and investors should supplement government efforts by providing sufficient and quality inputs (seed/fertilizer/machinery) and credit facilities to the rice farmers at a subsidized rate and on time and strengthen the linkages between farmer groups/cooperatives with buyers (Producer-Buyer linkage) for easy market access.

Research paper thumbnail of The Nature of Postharvest Losses of Rice among Rice Farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State Nigeria

Asian Food Science Journal, 2021

This study examined the nature of postharvest losses of rice in Makurdi Local Government Area of ... more This study examined the nature of postharvest losses of rice in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The study specifically examined the stages of the postharvest losses of rice. A sample of 399 rice producers were drawn in Makurdi using the Taro Yamane formula. Quantitative data collection techniques were used to elicit information from respondents. The findings from the study revealed that, the nature postharvest losses of rice start from harvest to consumption stage, with threshing recording the highest loss of 27%. However, the total losses from all the stages are between 37%-40%. The study therefore recommended sensitization of farmers through the relevant agricultural agencies on postproduction of rice, establishment of reserves for the preservation of rice, linking farmers with agro-processing equipment available in state or those at national research institute at an affordable price, plus farmers to take advantage of cooperatives to benefit from agricultural projects establish by the government.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Market Channels and Prices on the Income and Livelihood of Cashew Farmers in Kombo South District of the Gambia

Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 2022

This study examined the effect of market channels and prices on the income and livelihood of cash... more This study examined the effect of market channels and prices on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers in Kombo South District of The Gambia. The objectives of the study were to ascertain include the types of market channels and their impacts on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers. A sample of 384 cashew famers was selected from Kombo South District using Taro Yamane formula. The findings of the study revealed that the main actors in the cashew market channels were wholesalers and retailers who serve as middlemen and they impose prices on the farmers. The findings also indicated that majority of the farmers sold their raw cashew nuts at a low price in 2020 than the previous year. The findings indicate that highlighted that market channels dictate prices and therefore affect the income and livelihoods of farmers, and also cause loss of jobs in plantations. The study therefore recommended that Cashew farmers should form cooperative societies as this will be the easiest channel through which their predicaments can be heard, and other benefits such as insecticides, fertilizers, soft loans and even grants can be Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of An Assessment of Diverse Labour Sources used in Rice Production in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State

The study investigates the various sources of labour used for rice production in Guma Local Gover... more The study investigates the various sources of labour used for rice production in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The main purpose of the study was to find out the various sources of agricultural labour available for use in rice production, to ascertain the most preferred source of labour and the reasons for the preference and to also ascertain the relationship between the source of labour used and the size of rice farm cultivated. The study adopted a survey research design with a population of 5125 smallholder rice farmers, out of which 371 respondents were sampled using the multi-stage sampling strategy (Purposive and simple random sampling techniques). The instrument used for data collection was structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data collected was(were) analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS 20.0) from which simple frequencies and percentages were presented in tables to answer the research questions, while chi-square was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that agricultural labour comes from six main sources: family, friends, hired, cooperative, rotational (Himbe) as well as mechanized labour. Out of these, family labour was preferred because it is readily available and affordable. The findings also revealed that there is a significant relationship between the source of labour used and the size of rice farm cultivated. Based on these findings, it was recommended that: mechanization is the best solution to ensure maximum productivity and increase in rice yield, thus farmers should make deliberate efforts to leverage on the assistance from the government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to them to purchase farm machineries like tractors, planters, harvesters, threshers and mechanize their farms. The government and other stakeholders should also ensure the security of rural farmers to guarantee sustainable food production in the country

Research paper thumbnail of The Nature of Postharvest Losses of Rice among Rice Farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State Nigeria

Asian Food Science Journal, 2021

This study examined the nature of postharvest losses of rice in Makurdi Local Government Area of ... more This study examined the nature of postharvest losses of rice in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The study specifically examined the stages of the postharvest losses of rice. A sample of 399 rice producers were drawn in Makurdi using the Taro Yamane formula. Quantitative data collection techniques were used to elicit information from respondents. The findings from the study revealed that, the nature postharvest losses of rice start from harvest to consumption stage, with threshing recording the highest loss of 27%. However, the total losses from all the stages are between 37%-40%. The study therefore recommended sensitization of farmers through the relevant agricultural agencies on postproduction of rice, establishment of reserves for the preservation of rice, linking farmers with agro-processing equipment available in state or those at national research institute at an affordable price, plus farmers to take advantage of cooperatives to benefit from agricultural project...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Rice Value Chain Programme on Rice Production in the Gambia

This study on the effects of rice value chain programme on rice farmers' production was conducted... more This study on the effects of rice value chain programme on rice farmers' production was conducted in the Central River Region of the Gambia. The objective of the study seeks the effect of the rice value chain programme on rice farmers' production in Central River Region of The Gambia. The instruments used for data collection was Focus Group Discussion and In-Depth Interview. The study selected two (2) of the districts from Kuntaur Local Government Area and three (3) from Janjanbureh Local Government Area using purposive sampling technique after which simple random sampling technique was used to select sixteen (16) villages out of which three hundred and eighty-four (384) farmers were randomly selected for the study. The data collected was transcribed for all the focus group and interview comments, the comments were rearranged to have answers which were grouped together for each interview protocol. The findings revealed that, farmers benefitted from the rice value chain programme through interventions such as; available improved seed varieties and fertilizer which have improved rice production. However, challenges still exist in the form of insufficient fertilizer, seeds and market structures. From these findings, it is recommended that Non-Governmental Organizations and investors should supplement government efforts by providing sufficient and quality inputs (seed/fertilizer/machinery) and credit facilities to the rice farmers at a subsidized rate and on time and strengthen the linkages between farmer groups/cooperatives with buyers (Producer-Buyer linkage) for easy market access.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Market Channels and Prices on the Income and Livelihood of Cashew Farmers in Kombo South District of the Gambia

This study examined the effect of market channels and prices on the income and livelihood of cash... more This study examined the effect of market channels and prices on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers in Kombo South District of The Gambia. The objectives of the study were to ascertain include the types of market channels and their impacts on the income and livelihood of cashew farmers. A sample of 384 cashew famers was selected from Kombo South District using Taro Yamane formula. The findings of the study revealed that the main actors in the cashew market channels were wholesalers and retailers who serve as middlemen and they impose prices on the farmers. The findings also indicated that majority of the farmers sold their raw cashew nuts at a low price in 2020 than the previous year. The findings indicate that highlighted that market channels dictate prices and therefore affect the income and livelihoods of farmers, and also cause loss of jobs in plantations. The study therefore recommended that Cashew farmers should form cooperative societies as this will be the easiest channel through which their predicaments can be heard, and other benefits such as insecticides, fertilizers, soft loans and even grants can be Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of An Assessment of Diverse Labour Sources used in Rice Production in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State

The study investigates the various sources of labour used for rice production in Guma Local Gover... more The study investigates the various sources of labour used for rice production in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The main purpose of the study was to find out the various sources of agricultural labour available for use in rice production, to ascertain the most preferred source of labour and the reasons for the preference and to also ascertain the relationship between the source of labour used and the size of rice farm cultivated. The study adopted a survey research design with a population of 5125 smallholder rice farmers, out of which 371 respondents were sampled using the multi-stage sampling strategy (Purposive and simple random sampling techniques). The instrument used for data collection was structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data collected was(were) analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS 20.0) from which simple frequencies and percentages were presented in tables to answer the research questions, while chi-square was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that agricultural labour comes from six main sources: family, friends, hired, cooperative, rotational (Himbe) as well as mechanized labour. Out of these, family labour was preferred because it is readily available and affordable. The findings also revealed that there is a significant relationship between the source of labour used and the size of rice farm cultivated. Based on these findings, it was recommended that: mechanization is the best solution to ensure maximum productivity and increase in rice yield, thus farmers should make deliberate efforts to leverage on the assistance from the government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to them to purchase farm machineries like tractors, planters, harvesters, threshers and mechanize their farms. The government and other stakeholders should also ensure the security of rural farmers to guarantee sustainable food production in the country

Research paper thumbnail of THE NATURE OF RICE VALUE CHAIN PROGRAMME IN THE CENTRAL RIVER REGION, THE GAMBIA

This study focused on the nature of the rice value chain programme in the Central River Region of... more This study focused on the nature of the rice value chain programme in the Central River Region of The Gambia. The instruments used for data collection was Focus Group Discussion and in-depth interview. Simple random sampling was used to select sixteen (16) villages out of which three hundred and eighty-four (384) farmers were used for the study. The data collected were transcribed for all the focus group comments; the comments were rearranged to have answers grouped for each interview protocol. The main ideas were organized into themes to generate an idea or ideas and quotations were identified for each theme. The findings were written in a narrative to describe the themes with quotations. Regarding the quantitative analysis, simple descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages were used for the surveyed data collected from the rice farmers and key informants. However, challenges ranging from inadequate machinery, fertilizer, seeds and market structures were some of the problems reported. From these findings it is recommended that Non-Governmental Organizations and investors should supplement government efforts by providing sufficient and quality inputs (seed/fertilizer/machinery) and credit facilities to the rice farmers at a subsidized rate and on time and strengthen the linkages between farmer groups/cooperatives with buyers (Producer-Buyer linkage) for easy market access.

Research paper thumbnail of The Experience of Farmers under the Rice Value Chain Programme in the Gambia

This study on the assess the nature of the rice value chain programme; the experiences of rice fa... more This study on the assess the nature of the rice value chain programme; the experiences of rice farmers under the rice value chain programme in the Central River Region of the Gambia. The instruments used for data collection was Focus Group Discussion and in-depth interview. Simple random sampling was used to select sixteen (16) villages out of which three hundred and eighty-four (384) farmers were used for the study. The data collected were transcribed for all the focus group comments, the comments were rearranged to have answers grouped together for each interview protocol. The main ideas were organized into themes to generate an idea or ideas and quotations were identified for each theme. The findings were written in narrative to describe the themes with quotations. Regarding the quantitative analysis, simple descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages were used for the surveyed data collected from the rice farmers and key informants. From the findings it was revealed that, farmers from the study area. From these findings it is recommended that Non-Governmental Organizations and investors should supplement government efforts by providing sufficient and quality inputs (seed/fertilizer/machinery) and credit facilities to the rice farmers at a subsidized rate and on time and strengthen the linkages between farmer groups/cooperatives with buyers (Producer-Buyer linkage) for easy market access.

Research paper thumbnail of The Nature of Postharvest Losses of Rice among Rice Farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State Nigeria

Asian Food Science Journal, 2021

This study examined the nature of postharvest losses of rice in Makurdi Local Government Area of ... more This study examined the nature of postharvest losses of rice in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The study specifically examined the stages of the postharvest losses of rice. A sample of 399 rice producers were drawn in Makurdi using the Taro Yamane formula. Quantitative data collection techniques were used to elicit information from respondents. The findings from the study revealed that, the nature postharvest losses of rice start from harvest to consumption stage, with threshing recording the highest loss of 27%. However, the total losses from all the stages are between 37%-40%. The study therefore recommended sensitization of farmers through the relevant agricultural agencies on postproduction of rice, establishment of reserves for the preservation of rice, linking farmers with agro-processing equipment available in state or those at national research institute at an affordable price, plus farmers to take advantage of cooperatives to benefit from agricultural projects establish by the government.