Bridging The Commercialization Gap: An Analysis of Barriers to Market Orientation and Participation Among Smallholder Rice Farmers in Nigeria

Öz

Smallholder rice farmers' limited market access and share have been linked to weak market orientation and participation decisions. Therefore, this study examines the factors that hinder the commercialization of smallholder rice farmers in Southeast Nigeria. Primary data from 288 randomly selected smallholder rice farmers were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the market orientation index, and the market participation index. The socioeconomic profile shows that the majority (68.8%) were male, with a mean age of about 48 years and a moderate mean education of 10 years; the mean farming experience, household size, farm size, and monthly income were 22 years, seven persons, 1.64 hectares, and ₦66,631.94 ($95.19), respectively. Results on the use of purchased inputs showed that only 41.3% purchased rice seedlings, while all (100%) farmers purchased and used fertilizer, herbicides, and insecticides. Results on market orientation and participation revealed that respondents were moderately market-oriented (index of 0.52), while the market participation index indicated a semi-commercialized status (index of 0.73). Significant constraints to market orientation included the high cost of inputs (x̄ = 3.35), land fragmentation (x̄ = 2.95), lack of capital (x̄ = 2.80), long distance to market (x̄ = 2.76), and the land tenure system (x̄ = 2.63). In contrast, significant constraints that slowed market participation and access included poor road networks (x̄ = 3.36), long distance to market (x̄ = 3.31), lack of market information (x̄ = 3.29), lack of access to credit facilities (x̄ = 3.01), inadequate storage facilities (x̄ = 2.96), poor transportation system (x̄ = 2.88), and insufficient institutional support (x̄ = 2.78). Thus, the study calls for increased subsidies on inputs and improved market access to optimize and accelerate smallholder commercialization.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Commercialisation
• Market access
• Land fragmentation
• Market barriers
• Transactional cost
• Smallholders

Kaynakça

1. Abate, D., Abddisa, F., and Negash, R. (2020). Determinants of market orientation of smallholder wheat farmers in Northern Ethiopia. American Journal of Science, Engineering, and Technology, 5(3): 123–130. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajset.20200503.11
2. Abate, D., Mitiku, F., and Negash, R. (2021). Commercialisation level and determinants of market participation of smallholder wheat farmers in northern Ethiopia. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 12(2): 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2020.1844854
3. Abdullah, Rabbi, F., Ahamad, R., Ali, S., Chandio, A. A., Ahmad, W., Ilyas, A., and Din, I. U. (2019). Determinants of commercialisation and its impact on the welfare of smallholder rice farmers by using Heckman’s two-stage approach. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 18(2): 224–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssas.2017.06.001
4. Adeyemi, S. O., Sennuga, S. O., Alabuja, F. O., and Bankole, O.L. (2023). Technology usage and awareness among smallholder farmers in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria. Direct Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 11(3): 54–59. https://doi.org/10.26765/DRJAFS12044476
5. AGRA. Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) (2014). Africa Agriculture Status Report: Climate Change and Smallholder Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nairobi, Kenya. https://ccafs.cgiar.org/resources/publications/africa-agriculture-status-report-2014-climate-change-and-smallholder
6. AGRA. Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) (2022). Africa Agriculture Status Report: Accelerating African Food Systems Transformation. Nairobi, Kenya. https://agra.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AASR-2022.pdf
7. Akanbi, S.O., Mukaila, R., and Adebisi, A. (2024). Analysis of rice production and the impacts of the usage of certified seeds on yield and income in Côte d'Ivoire. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies,14(2): 234-250. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-04-2022-0066
8. Akanbi, S. O., Mukaila, R., Ojimiwe, O. K., Olohungbebe, S. A., and Fidelis, E. S. (2025). Profitability and Determinants of System of Rice Intensification Technology Usage among Rice Farmers. Jordan Journal of Agricultural Science, 21(1): 16-25. https://doi.org/10.35516/jjas.v21i1.1586

9. Akinwale, J. A., Owoade, E. O., and Soneye, O. V. (2015). Assessment of Factors that Affect Market Orientation of Cassava Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Economics, Environment and Social Science, 8(1): 90-102. https://doi.org/10.56160/JAEESS202281009
10. Alawode, O. O. and Makinde, L. O. (2021). Analysis of household crop commercialisation in Nigeria. Applied Studies in Agribusiness and Commerce, 15(4): 21–32.
11. Anarah, S. E., Ezeano, C. I., and Osuafor, O. O. (2019). Perceived effects of climate variability on cassava production among small-scale farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Studies, 7(2): 27–43. https://doi.org/10.5296/jas.v7i2.14758
12. Anthony, L., Alabi, O. O., Ebukiba, E. S. and Gamba, V. (2021). Factors influencing the output of rice produced and the choice of marketing outlets among smallholder farming households in Abuja, Nigeria. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 37(1): 262–277. http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2021/37.1.262.277
13. Aromolaran, A. B., Muyanga, M., Jayne, T., Obayelu, A. E., Awokuse, T., Ogunmola, O. O., and Issa, F. O. (2020). Drivers of Market-Oriented Land Use Decisions Among Farm Households in Nigeria (No. 46; APRA Working Paper, Issue November). https://doi.org/10.19088/APRA.2020.012
14. Ayele, T., Goshme, D., and Tamiru, H. (2021). Determinants of cereal crops commercialisation among smallholder farmers in Guji Zone, Ethiopia. Cogent Food and Agriculture, 7(1): 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2021.1948249
15. Balana, B. B., and Oyeyemi, M. A (2022). Agricultural credit constraints in smallholder farming in developing countries: Evidence from Nigeria. World Development Sustainability,1: 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wds.2022.100012
16. Barret, C. B. (2008). Smallholder market participation: concepts and evidence from eastern and southern Africa. Food Policy, 33(4): 299-317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2007.10.005
17. Berhanu, G., and Jaleta, M. (2010). Commercialization of Smallholders: Is Market Participation Enough? 3rd African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE) and 48th Agricultural Economists Association of South Africa (AEASA) Conference, September 19–23, Cape Town, South Africa. https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.96159
18. Blekking, J., Gatti, N., Waldman, K., Evans, T. and Baylis, K. (2021). The benefits and limitations of agricultural input cooperatives in Zambia. World Development, 146(2021): 105616. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105616
19. CGAP. Consultative Group to Assist the Poorest (CGAP) (2014), Annual Report 2014: Advancing Financial Inclusion to Improve the Lives of the Poor. https://documents.worldbank.org/pt/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/247231468329952774/cgap-annual-report-2014-advancing-financial-inclusion-to-improve-the-lives-of-the-poor
20. Chidiebere-mark, N., Ohajianya, D., Obasi, P., and Onyeagocha, S. (2019). Profitability of rice production in different production systems in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Open Agriculture, 4(1): 237–246. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2019-0022
21. Chiemela, C. J., Ukwuaba, I. C., Ugbede, O. E., Ibe, J., and Onyekwe, C. N. (2021). Economics of palm oil production in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 19(1): 78 -88.
22. Danladi, T. E., Oruonye, E., Wilson-osigwe, M., and Bala, K. (2021). Effect of socio-economic characteristics on maize farmers in Zing Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental and Agricultural Research, 7(8): 81–89.
23. Diriba, G. (2020). Agricultural and Rural Transformation in Ethiopia: Obstacles, Triggers and Reforms Considerations (01/2020; Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) Policy Working Paper). https://coilink.org/20.500.12592/drqjxz (Accessed Date: 26.09.2024)
24. Etuk, E. A. and Ayuk, J. O. (2020). Agricultural commercialization, poverty reduction, and pro-poor growth: evidence from the commercial agricultural development project in Nigeria. Heliyon. 7(5): e06818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06818
25. Ezeibe, A. B., Opata, P. I., and Chukwuma, U. O. (2020). Determinants for the adoption of technology and the choice of a marketing channel for rice smallholder farmers in Southeast Nigeria. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 30(4): 1004–1012. https://doi.org/10.36899/JAPS.2020.4.0115
26. Falola, A., Mukaila, R., and Ahmed, A.O. (2022b). Commercialization of Bambara nut production in Nigeria. Yuzuncu Yil University Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 32(2): 351-361. https://doi.org/10.29133/yyutbd.1094883
27. Falola, A., Mukaila, R., Lawal, T. F., and Akinsuyi, M. A. (2022a). Commercialization of pigeon pea production: Its determinants and constraints. Journal of Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty, 19(4): 840–849.
28. Falola, A., Obalola, T. O., Mukaila, R., and Abidoye, S. T. (2023). Comparative analysis of marketing of branded and unbranded local rice in Bida, Niger state, Nigeria. Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development, 23(1): 203-210.
29. FMARD. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) (2021). National Rice Development Strategy II-2020-2030. https://riceforafrica.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nigeria_nrds2.pdf (Accessed Date: 26.09.2024)
30. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2017). Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition in Africa 2016: The Challenges of Building Resilience to Shocks and Stresses. Rome, Italy.
31. Garner, E., and de la O Campos, A. P. (2014). Identifying the family farm. An informal discussion of the concepts and definitions, ESA Working Papers 288978. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA). https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.288978
32. Gbigbi, T. M. (2021). Technical efficiency and profitability of cassava production in Delta State: a stochastic frontier production function analysis. Journal of Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty, 18(1): 21-31.
33. Ghosh, B. K. (2021). Changing scenario of crop diversification in Nepal: delineating the role of trade openness, urbanization, and rural infrastructure. Journal of Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty, 18(4): 599–612.
34. Hoang, H. G. (2020). Determinants of the adoption of mobile phones for fruit marketing by Vietnamese farmers. World Development Perspectives, 17:100178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2020.1001788
35. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). (2011). Rural Poverty Report 2011: New realities, new challenges: new opportunities for tomorrow’s generation.
36. Jaleta, M., Gebremedhin, B., and Hoekstra, D. (2009). Smallholder Commercialization: Processes, Determinants, and Impact: Improving Productivity and Market Success (IPMS) of Ethiopian Farmers Project. International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Discussion Papers, No. 18. Nairobi, Kenya.
37. Jebesa, R. S. (2019). Determinants of Smallholder farmers market participation and outlet choice decision of agricultural output in Ethiopia: A review. American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 7(4): 139–145. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20190704.13
38. Kebede, E. A., Abou Ali, H., Clavelle, T., Froehlich, H. E., Gephart, J. A., Hartman, S., Herrero, M., Kerner, H., Mehta, P., Nakalembe, C., Ray, D. K., Siebert, S., Thornton, P. and Davis, K. F. (2024). Assessing and addressing the global state of food production data scarcity. Nature Reviews Earth and Environment, 5(4): 295-311. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-024-00516-2
39. Kyaw, N. N., Ahn, S., and Lee, S. H. (2018). Analysis of the factors influencing market participation among smallholder rice farmers in Magway Region, Central Dry Zone of Myanmar. Sustainability, 10(12): 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124441
40. Lambert, D., Bisangwa, E., Eash, N., Marake, M. (2016). Minimal tillage and crop residue retention adoption, input demand, and maize (Zea mays L.) production: A household survey analysis of smallholder producers in Lesotho. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 71(2): 118–128. https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.71.2.118
41. Langyintuo, A. (2020). Smallholder Farmers’ Access to Inputs and Finance in Africa. In: The Role of Smallholder Farms in Food and Nutrition Security. Ed(s): Gómez y Paloma, S., Riesgo, L. and Louhichi, K. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42148-97
42. Leavy, J. and Poulton, C. (2007). Commercialization in Agriculture. Ethiopian Journal of Economics, 16(1): 3-41. https://doi.org/10.4314/eje.v16i1.39822
43. Lenis, S. O., Liverpool -Tasie, L. S., Omonona, B. T., Sanou, A., and Ogunleye, W. O. (2017). Is increasing inorganic fertilizer use for maize production in SSA a profitable proposition? Evidence from Nigeria. Food Policy, 61(1): 41–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2016.09.011
44. Ma, W., Rahut, D.B., Sonobe, T., and Gong, B. B. (2024). Linking farmers to markets: Barriers, solutions, and policy options. Economic Analysis and Policy, 82: 1102-1112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2024.05.005
45. Ma, W., Zheng, H., Zhu, Y., and Qi, J. (2022). Effects of cooperative membership on the financial performance of banana farmers in China: A heterogeneous analysis. Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, 93(1): 5-27. https://doi.org/10.1111/apce.12326
46. Manda, J., Azzarri, C., Feleke, S., Kotu, B., Claessens, L., and Bekunda, M. (2021). Welfare impacts of smallholder farmers’ participation in multiple output markets: Empirical evidence from Tanzania. PLoS ONE, 16(5): e0250848.
47. Mani, J. R., Abdussalam, Z., Damisa, M. A., Yusuf, M. and Suleiman, N. J. (2019). Analysis of Smallholder Maize Market Participation in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Sixth International Conference of the African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE), September 23–26, Abuja, Nigeria. https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.295655
48. Mbam, B. N., Nwibo, S. U., Nwofoke, C., Egwu, P. N., and Odoh, N. (2021). Analysis of smallholder farmers’ repayment of Bank of Agriculture loan in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria (2009-2018). International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research, 8(4): 198–208. https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.70.2021.84.198.208
49. Mekie, T. M., Desalegn, G., Dessie, A. B., and Abate, T. M. (2019). Market orientation and market participation of smallholder barely producers in North Gondar Zone : Implications for commercial transformation. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 13(1): 1–13.
50. Mkuna, E. and Wale, E. (2022). Explaining farmers’ income via market orientation and participation: Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). Sustainability, 14(21):14197. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114197
51. Mukaila, R. (2024). Agricultural commercialization among smallholder women farmers in Nigeria: Implications for food security. GeoJournal, 89: 42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-024-11051-4
52. Mukaila, R., Falola, A., Awoyelu, F. E, Akanbi, S., Chiemela, C. J., Ukwuaba, I. C., Ileka, C. M., and Erim, P. A. (2022). Profitability of Cocoyam Production and its Determinants in Cross River State, Nigeria. Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 18(4): 279- 292 https://doi.org/10.35516/jjas.v18i4.788
53. Mutemi, M. and Sakwa, M. (2017). Challenges influencing participation of smallholder farmers in legume agribusiness in Ibeno location, Kisii County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Sciences and Information Technology, 3(1): 1541–1558.
54. NBS, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) (2010). Annual Abstract of Statistics. Office of the Surveyor-General measurement of the Area of Nigeria by state.
55. Nwafor, C. U. (2020). The market orientation of South African smallholder farmers in a disaster context. Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development, 58(4):437-446. https://doi.org/10.17306/j.jard.2020.01370
56. Nwankwo, E., Chiekezie, N., and Offiah, E. (2021). Agripreneurship development among small-scale farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 13(4): 273–279. https://doi.org/10.5897/JAERD2021.1282
57. Obayelu, A. E., Ogunmola, O., and Oyewole, K. J. (2019). Land fragmentation and its determinants in Nigeria: a case study of smallholder farmers in Ikenne Agricultural zone, Ogun state, Nigeria. Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development, 2(52): 147–155. https://doi.org/10.17306/J.JARD.2019.01135
58. Obi, J., Ifejirika, C., Itam, K., Enete. A., Munonye, J., Osuji, E., Oyoboh, D., Jimmy, S., Nwachukwu, C., Obetta, A., Nwofoke, C., and Odoh, N. (2023). An assessment of the performance of emergency management agency in the natural hazards management among farm households in the southeast zone, Nigeria. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 119(2): 1–15. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2023.119.2.12480
59. Ochilo, W. N., Nyamasyo, G. N., Kilalo, D., Otieno, G., Otipa, M., Chege, F., Karanja, T., and Lingeera, E. K. (2019). Characteristics and production constraints of smallholder tomato production in Kenya. Scientific African, 2. e00014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2018.e00014
60. Ogundari, K. (2016). Maize supply response to price and nonprice determinants in Nigeria: bounds testing approach. International Transactions in Operational Research, 25(5): 1537–1551. https://doi.org/10.1111/itor.12284
61. Ogundele, F. (2020). Factors influencing output commercialisation among small-scale farmers in Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Marketing, 8(10): 1–9.
62. Okoye, B. C., Abass, A., Bachwenkizi, B., Asumugha, G., Alenkhe, B., Ranaivoson, R., Randrianarivelo, R., Rabemanantsoa, N., and Ralimanana, I. (2016). Effect of transaction costs on market participation among smallholder cassava farmers in central Madagascar. Cogent Economics and Finance, 4(1): 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2016.1143597
63. Okpukpara, V., Okpukpara, B. C., Omeje, E. E., Ukwuaba, I. C., and Ogbuakanne, M. (2023). Credit risk management in small-scale farming by formal financial institutions during the COVID-19 era: Nigerian perspective. Agricultural Finance Review, 83(3): 377–394. https://doi.org/10.1108/afr-07-2022-0089
64. Ola, O. and Menapace, L. (2020). Revisiting constraints to smallholder participation in high-value markets: A best-worst scaling approach. Agricultural Economics, 51(4): 595–608. https://doi.org/10.1111/agec.12574
65. Olayemi, S. S., Temitope, A. B., and Ayo, O. A. (2021). Assessment of the Constraints Associated with the Processing of Paddy Rice: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Gwagwalada, Abuja. Current Trends in Agriculture, Environment and Sustainability, 2(1): 1- 7.
66. Omeje, E. E., Enete, A. A., Mukaila, R., Onah, O. G., Ukwuaba, I. C., and Onyekwe, C. N. (2024). Operationalisation of low-carbon energy for sustainable agricultural production among smallholder women farmers in Nigeria. Energy and Climate Change, 5:100159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egycc.2024.100159
67. Omeje, E., Okpukpara, B., Okereke, C., Ume, C., and Okpukpara, B. C. (2022). Incentivizing the adoption of biofortified rice for increasing farmers' productivity and income during the COVID-19 era: evidence from smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development, 22(4): 497-510.
68. Omonona, B. T., Liverpool-Tasie, L. S. O., Sanou, A., and Ogunleye, W.O. (2019). Is fertilizer use inconsistent with Profitability? Evidence from sorghum production in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 9(1): 1–13.
69. Onyekuru, N. A., Ihemezie, E. J., and Chima, C. C. (2019). Socioeconomic and profitability analysis of catfish production: a case study of Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Agro-Science Journal of Tropical Agriculture, Food, Environment and Extension, 18(2): 51–58.
70. Opata, P. I., Ezeibe, A. B., and Arua, N. R. (2020). Drivers of farmers' market participation in southeast Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, 121(2): 207–217. https://doi.org/10.17170/kobra-202010191969
71. Otieno, D. J., Omiti, J., Nyanamba, T., and McCullough, E. (2009). Market participation by vegetable farmers in Kenya: A Comparison of Rural and Peri-urban Areas. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 4(5): 451–460.
72. Poole, N. (2017). Smallholder Agriculture and Market Participation, Practical Action Publishing, Rugby, U. K. http://dx.doi.org/10.3362/9781780449401
73. Sennuga, O. S., Baines, R. N., Conway, J. S., and Naylor, R. K. (2020). Effect of smallholders' socio-economic characteristics on farming households ‘food Security in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 11(4): 140–150. https://doi.org/10.7176/jesd/11-4-16
74. Sharma, V. P., Jain, D., and Sourovi, D. (2012). Managing agricultural commercialisation for inclusive growth in South Asia. Agriculture Policy Series, Briefing Paper No. 6/2012, GDN, New Delhi, India.
75. Sibiko, K. W. and Qaim, M. (2020). Weather index insurance, agricultural input use, and crop productivity in Kenya. Food Security, 12(1): 151–167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-019-00987-y
76. Snashall, G. B. and Poulos, H. M. (2023). ‘Smallholding for whom?’: The effect of human capital appropriation on smallholder palm farmers. Agriculture and Human Values, 40(4): 1599–1619. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-023-10440-8
77. Snoxell, S. and Lyne, M. (2019). Constraints to the commercialisation of smallholder agriculture in Tanintharyi Division, Myanmar. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, 120(2): 219–227. https://doi.org/10.17170/kobra-20191212867
78. Taku – Forchu, N. (2019). Linking smallholder farmers to markets: The role of extension in market information distribution for poverty reduction in Fako, Cameroon. (MSc. Thesis) Department of Community and Regional Planning, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, U.S.A. https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/31514
79. Tesfay, M. G. (2020). Does fertilizer adoption enhance smallholders’ commercialisation? An endogenous switching regression model from northern Ethiopia. Agriculture and Food Security, 9(3): 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-020-0256-y
80. Tom-Dery, D., Aduwa, S. A., Boadu, K. O., Amponsah, A., Nasare, L. I., Owusu-Prempeh, N., and Baatuuwie, B. N. (2023). Effects of commercial farming on livelihoods and woody species in the Mion district, Ghana. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 13: 100637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100637
81. Ukeje, B. A., Ogbonna, M. C., Okonkwo, I. I., and Adiele-Ezekiel, C. (2017). Determinants of market orientation among cassava producers in Abia State, Nigeria. Nigeria Agricultural Journal, 48(1): 214–223.
82. Ukwuaba, I. C., Arene, C. J., and Okpukpara, B. C. (2024b). Smallholder commercialisation: What drives the household welfare of smallholder rice farmers? Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture Journal, 61(4): 413-425.https://doi.org/10.20289/zfdergi.1435516
83. Ukwuaba, I. C., Arene, C. J., Okpukpara, B. C., Omeje, E. E., Onyekwe, C. N., Okpukpara, V., Onah, O. G., and Offorma, T. J. (2024a). Unpacking the drivers of market orientation: Evidence from smallholder rice farming households in Southeast Nigeria. Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 6(1): 16–32.
84. Ukwuaba, I. C., Owutuamor, Z. B., and Ogbu, C. C. (2020). Assessment of agricultural credit sources and accessibility in Nigeria. Review of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 23(2): 3-11.
85. World Bank (2018). Agriculture in Africa. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. http://dx.doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1134-0 Worldometer (2024). Nigeria Population (Live). https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/nigeria-population/
86. Wudil, A. H., Usman, M., Rosak-Szyrocka, J., Pilař, L., and Boye, M. (2022). Reversing years for global food security: A review of the food security situation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(22): 14836. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214836
87. Yaseen, A., Bryceson, K. and Mungai, A. N. (2018). Commercialisation behaviour in production agriculture: The overlooked role of market orientation. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, 8(3): 579–602. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-07-2017-0072