Farmers' Participation in Community Based Organizations; Implications for Increased Productivity in Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States in Niger Delta Area, Nigeria

The study examined participation of farmers in community based organizations and its implication for increased productivity in Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States in Niger Delta, Nigeria. The objectives of the study include to examine the socio-economic characteristics of farmers and non-farmers community based organizations in the study area, determine the level of participation of the farmers in CBOs activities, examine the effects of farmers participation in CBOs activities on their farm income and to identify possible factors limiting farmers participation in the group’s activities. The study was carried out with the use of structured questionnaires administered on the respondents of the study. Primary data were sourced from 590 respondents, comprising of 295 CBO farmers and an equivalent size of non – CBO farmers spread across three states of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study was carried out between 2013 and 2014. Data from respondents were analyzed using percentages and means. Llikert scale was used to analyze the farmers constraints in their CBO groups. Multiple regressions were used to analyze the hypotheses of the study. Results showed that CBO farmers participated very well in most of their activities (mean 2.5), they also like to participate in CBOs activities for reasons such as, it has helped to increase their knowledge of farming practice, improved their income and standard of living. It was also revealed that the difference (US$1,039.55) in farm income between CBO farmers members ($1,573.45) and non-members ($533.90) was significant (P<0.05). Result as well showed that such socio-economic characteristics of CBO farmer member as age (b = -0.090), education level (b = 1.179), farming experience (b = 0.230) as well as CBO group characteristics like membership supportiveness (b = 4.056), democratic nature of leadership selection (b = 4.357), and CBO membership experience (b = 0.680) were significant variables (P < 0.05) affecting farmers level of participation in CBOs activities. The study concluded that participation of the farmers in CBOs has enhanced their farm income. The study recommends that CBO leadership should actively seek and incorporate members’ views in designing activities for the group, ensure that benefits accruing to the group are equitably distributed and be seen to be transparent by being financially accountable to its members.