Correlates of Ill Health Conditions and Farmers’ Productivity in Ilorin East Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the ill health conditions experienced and farmers’ productivity in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data were duly obtained using well-structured questionnaire which was administered on eighty farmers. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) analyses were employed. Results however revealed that majority 100%, 85%, 77.5% and 56.25% of respondents have experienced malaria, typhoid fever, diarrhea and stomach ache respectively. Results further indicated that majority 97.5% and 67.5% of respondents who have experienced malaria and typhoid fever patronize modern medical services but 62.5% and 37.5% who have experienced diarrhea and stomach ache access traditional medicine for healing. PPMC analyses showed the ill health experienced by respondent were significant related to their farm size. Results also showed that health care services available for farmers were not significant related to their productivity. The study therefore concludes that malaria and many others diseases and illnesses are ill-health conditions facing farmers in the study area. The study suggests the need for quick health care delivery that will meet the health care need of farmers in the study area, most especially preventive measures to control mosquito.

Keywords: Ill-health: farmers: productivity: Ilorin East LGA: Kwara State.