Factors Affecting Fertilizer Use In Ihiala Local Government Area Of Anambra State

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this study is to determine the factors influencing fertilizer use in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state. The study utilized a simple random sampling technique to obtain a sample of seventy (70) fanners. About fifty-seven percent (57.117 percent) of the respondents had access to fertilizer only in the middle of the farming season. Also, only 12.86% of the respondents had access to credit indicating a low level of credit use in the study area. Econometric tools were used to determine the factors affecting the rate of fertilizer use by the farmers. The four regression models made up of linear, semi-log, double-log and exponential were tried out. Farm size and capital was recommended that extension agents in the study area should sensitize rural farmers about the different sources through which they can obtain more capital. Also, the farmers should be encouraged to access loans provided by agricultural and finance institutions. Efforts should be made by the government to encourage farmers to cultivate more land by forming farmers' association and cooperative societies through which they will have greater access.