AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

EVALUATION OF COSTS OF MALARIA TREATMENT USING ORTHODOX METHODS AMONG CASSAVA FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Udousung, I. J, Akpan, E. A And Okon, U. E.

Abstract
The study evaluates the cost of malaria treatment using orthodox methods among Cassava farmers in Akwa Ibom State. A multistage random sampling method was used to select 100 rural farm households from whom data were collected for the study. Data were analysed using descriptive and Tobit regressing model. Findings revealed that 61% of the respondents were male, 63% were married with an average household size of six members. The average years of farming experience was 11 years and the mean farm size was 1.123ha. Also, the average yearly household expenditure on the orthodox method of malaria treatment was N91, 600.00, the mean age was 43 years, the mean years of formal schooling was 13.3 years and 64% of the respondents used personal savings as their major source of capital. Empirical results showed that variables such as age (), gender (), household size () and frequency of extension visits () significantly influenced cassava farmer’s willingness to pay for orthodox treatment of malaria. The study therefore recommended that extension agents should be empowered to educate farmers on various method of preventing malaria. Government and other stakeholders should make treated mosquito nets available to farmers in the study area.