Estimating the Determinants of Pesticide Usage in Qualitative Probit Model among Maize Farmers in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined factors that explained pesticide usage among maize farmers South Western zone of Nigeria. The study used primary data to accomplished the objectives of the study. The primary data were collected through focus group discussion, personal interview and detailed questionnaire administered to maize farmers in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in this study. There are six States in South West geo-political zone; Two States were selected randomly from the Six States and Six Local Government Areas were randomly chosen from Ondo and Ekiti making a total of Twelve. Two Towns/Villages from each of the Local Government Areas were selected giving a total of Twenty-Four Towns/Villages’ Proportional random sampling was used to select 472 maize farmers for the study. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that experience. Farm size, pest infestation, extension services and education status of respondents were critical determinant of pesticide usage among maize farmers in the study areas services. Farmers are encouraged to access the services of extension agent through training on pesticide usage which will lead to correct application and usage of pesticide