Factors Influencing Farm Income among Farmers in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The observed decline in farm income in recent times was a source of concern for farmers and other stake holders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This could be a serious setback for Nigeria’s drive to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. This paper focused on identifying the determinants of farm income in northern Nigeria. Result of the study could be beneficial to farmers and policy makers by providing insight on the factors that could raise farm income. The study was based on the hunch that certain socio economic factors and climatic elements could improve farm income. Findings of the study revealed that livestock keeping, access to credit, farm power, proximity to market, marital status, gender and climate influenced farm income. In addition variation in factors due to difference in agro ecological zones significantly affected revenue. Conclusion of the study was that farm specific factors could be used as a framework to improve farm income.

Keywords: Factors, farm income, farmers, Northern Nigeria