Bio-Control Technology (Aflasafe) Usage among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

1Muhammad Baba Bello, 1Bogunmbe Ahmed and
2Buhari Nazifi

1Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Bayero University Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
2Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University Dutsin Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author’s Email: buharinazifi6@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.323130


ABSTRACT

Bio-Control Technology was apt as one of the most promising and cost-effective methods to reduce aflatoxin in maize and groundnut. This study therefore analyzed smallholder maize farmers’ aflatoxin bio control technology (Aflasafe) decision and extent of usage determinants among smallholder maize farmers in Oyo state, Nigeria. Multistage sampling techniques was used to select 297 smallholder maize farmers for the study. Primary data for the study was collected using well-structured questionnaire; the data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics and double hurdle model (DHM). Descriptive findings of the study shows that maize production is predominantly by male (86.87%) farmers, that had an average age of 49 years, with a household size average of seven (7) persons and a farm size average of 2.68 hectares; Findings further show majority of the farmers as formally educated (77.1%) with average of 19years in to maize production. Moreover findings revealed farmers in the study area to be reasonable (60%) aware of aflatoxin prevalence in their farms, however only 48.33% of them reported taking measures to control it. Meanwhile only 25% of the farmers are aware of Aflasafe to control aflatoxins, however only 49.35% of farmers that control aflatoxin reported using it to control aflatoxin. The study further revealed decision to using Aflasafe as been significantly influenced by education level, extension visit and membership of association. On the other hand extent of Aflasafe usage was found to be significantly influenced by age of the farmers, highest level of education, farm size and farming experience. Inadequate markets for aflatoxin free maize, low awareness, additional input cost, unavailability and price of Aflasafe were identified as constraints to using of Aflasafe in the study area. The study recommended the need for more awareness campaigns, as well as ensuring availability and affordability of Aflasafe among maize farmers.

Keywords:

Aflatoxin,
Aflasafe,
Bio-control Technology,
Smallholder farmers
Maize