Socio-economic factors predisposing farmers' produce to pilferage in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

A study was carried out on six communities in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State to determine the socioeconomic factors predisposing farmers produce to pilferage. Simple Random Sample was used to select a total of one hundred and ten respondents from the villages. Primary data were collected from the respondents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and regression model were used to achieve the objectives of the study. The results show that about 74% of the sampled farmers were between the ages of 20-49 years, 33% were female while 67% were male. The result also revealed that measures adopted by farmers in the study area to curb pilferage include vigilance group, charms and amulets, building of fences round farm/storage structure etc. Multiple regression result run on the socioeconomic factors showed that household size, Farm size, Security measures and Attractive farm/crop variety were the factors that predisposes farmers produce to pilferage. The study recommends the need for community/village heads and elders of good repute to have a meeting with a view to strengthening social controls in their communities that will checkmate defiant behaviours like pilferage.

Key Words: Pilferage; Charms; Amulets; Predisposing; Poverty.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v6i1.3808

The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2011 Vol.6(1) 16-23