AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

OFF-FARM INCOME DIVERSIFICATION AMONG CASSAVA- BASED FARMERS IN UYO AGRICULTURAL ZONE, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Bassey, Nsikan Edet, Oboh, Nsikan Godwin and Onyia, C.C

Abstract
This study examined off-farm income and diversification among cassava-based farmers in Uyo agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were collected from one hundred and fifty respondents through a multistage sampling technique and analyzed using simple-descriptive statistics, Simpson’s index of diversity and multiple regression analysis. Result revealed that majority (53.3percent) of the respondents were married, about (86.7percent) were educated with a mean academic experience of 14years, and were mostly between the mean age and household size of 43 years and 6 persons. The result also showed that majority (40percent) of the respondents had a farming experience of about 11-15years with a mean farming experience of 11 years, majority (55.3percent) of the respondents were female and were members of farmers union, as well as having low access to credits with poor extension visits. Findings further revealed that non- farm income sources (non- agricultural wage and self- employment) accounted for N 14,646,611.554 (80. 48 percent) while Agricultural wage sources accounted for N3, 552,458.464 (19.52%) of total income earned. by respondents. The results of Simpson’s index of diversity revealed a high income diversification value of 0.8046, among respondents in the study area. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that, age, farm income and access to credit negatively and significantly influences income diversification while household size, acquisitions of technical skills, educational qualifications and farming experience positively and significantly influence income diversification.