Agricultural Production Activities, Profit Efficiency Nexus Livelihood Diversification among Public Servant Households in Kwara State Nigeria

Abstract

Agricultural production activities are gradually becoming important livelihood diversification among urban and peri-urban households whose main occupation is public service. The study focuses on livelihood diversification through agricultural production activities among public servants in Kwara State, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data (production records) were collected. Three hundred and thirty public servants comprising 150 fish farmers, 60 broiler farmers and 120 arable crop farmers were randomly selected through field survey with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using Herfindahl‐Hirshman index (HHI), net margin and stochastic frontier profit function regression analysis. Fish, broiler and arable crop production were profitable with mean profit of ₦132,260 per 1000 fingerlings, ₦912 per bird and ₦89,564 per ha and mean profit efficiency of 72.6%, 74% and 68% respectively. The HHI of diversity revealed a significant level of income diversification to agricultural production activities. These contributed about 40%, 36.5% and 29% to total household income of public servants who engaged in fish farming, broiler production and arable cropping respectively. Public servant farmers should form a formidable group to enjoy economic of scale to purchase agricultural inputs and should be given adequate training through their cooperative by inviting resource personnel.